Jesse Stecklow centers on the collection, analysis, and circulation of ecological data that is typically invisible to the human eye. He employs a precisely defined repertoire of objects that oscillate between image, text, and sound. His sculptures enter into a dialogue with their surrounding environment, effectively blurring the boundaries of the work. Stecklow is less concerned with the singular object itself; rather, he is interested in the various narratives that are created through location-related shifts in context. A central aspect of Stecklow's practice is the use of air samplers, devices commonly employed in factory or fabrication environments to test for toxins. These samplers mimic contemporary standards for data collection and are used by Stecklow to collect compounds in the air during exhibitions. The resulting data sets inform material decisions for future works, creating a recursive chain where each sculpture references a past work or foretells a future one. Through his work, Stecklow builds systems of generative making, where each piece contributes to an ongoing process of creation and reinterpretation. This approach allows for a dynamic interaction between the artworks and their environments, emphasizing the fluidity and interconnectedness of data, material, and meaning. ...
