Crossed Tides, 2026

Crossed Tides, 2026, Acrystal, metal, pigment, 89 × 63 × 21 cm

This sculpture, part of a series differing in the way the surface rusts, depicts two seahorses engaged in their mating dance, their tails extending outward. The scene draws inspiration from L’Hippocampe (The Seahorse), the 1934 surrealist scientific film by French filmmaker Jean Painlevé. Shot in black and white, the film documents the enigmatic reproductive behavior of seahorses and was considered controversial back then for its depiction of the female seahorse depositing her eggs into the male’s brood pouch.

One of the seahorses bears a human profile. This particular face appears throughout the artist’s recent works. This anthropomorphic element fosters empathy, encouraging the viewer to emotionally connect with the creatures and recognize themselves within the scene.

Part of a series of hybrid seahorses initiated in 2024, the sculpture foregrounds themes of care, transformation, and shared responsibility in nurturing life. Through these works, Kabisch examines the fragile interplay of gender, evolution, and intimacy, inviting reflection on moments of connection and metamorphosis that quietly yet powerfully transcend species.