As parodies of the way in which society and industry are run, these functionless and unproductive machines are a kind of metaphor for the absurdity of life. The wheels of the motor are no more regular or precise in their motion than are its pistons and chains, and are wholly devoid of meaning or necessity. In a strident chaos of sound, Tombeau de Kamikaze enacts a series of rotary movements, which impede one another in all directions.
Exuberant, ironic and extraordinary inventive, Tinguely’s sculpture is an intensely physical work in which life and death merge together in a striking manner, giving rise to a profound reflection on art and life.
Jean Tinguely’s improbable machine offers a dialogue with Bodys Isek Kingelez’ sculptures of imaginary architecture, on show at the same time.