Thin Skin: The Fickle Nature of Bubbles, Spheres, and Inflatable Structures, a unique exhibition that brings together some of the most interesting recent work involving malleable, inflatable materials, will arrive at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen on January 25th. Thin Skin features twenty humorous and seductive works in various media, including sculpture, photography, installation, and video. Visitors will marvel at these literally and metaphorically thin-skinned works and all ages may be enticed into stretching, peeling or popping some of them.

Only six museums in the United States, as well as one in The Netherlands, will host Thin Skin on its two-year tour. This exhibition is organized and circulated by Independent Curators International of New York and is co-curated by Barbara Clausen an independent curator based in Amsterdam and Carin Kuoni, ICIís director of exhibitions.

Thin Skin uses the bubble, translucent and lighter than air, as a metaphor for a fragile world, for breath and life, even for an alternative environment. Dorothee Golzís transparent ďbubbleĒ units embody a version of the latter. While Pipilotti Ristís piece reflects the frail nature of these forms as immense smoke-filled bubbles rise up only to collapse a few moments later under their own weight. Visitors can experience physically the unstable, changing nature of bubbles and inflatable structures in an installation of gauze-like fabrics by Ernesto Neto, in Ann Lislegaardís vision of space, and in Lee Borosonís air-filled nylon gate to the exhibition. Several other artists, such as Olafur Eliasson, set up experiments and mock-scientific situations that play with properties of air and other gases, and the liquid skins or films containing them. Historical works by James Lee Byars, Charles and Ray Eames, and Andy Warhol serve as the exhibitionís anchors.

Thin Skin is accompanied by a video program, which includes works by Carole Dertnig, Judith Albert, Marit Folstad, Nikos Navridis and Roman Signer. An illustrated catalogue published by ICI and distributed by D.A.P. features essays by co-curators Babara Clausen and Carin Kuoni. ICIís mission is to enhance the understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through traveling exhibitions and other activities that will reach a diverse national and international audience. Each year, ICI exhibitions are on view in thirty to forty cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

For additional information or visual materials, including high resolution digital images, contact Mary Cloud at 9956) 682-1564, ext. 114.