Christopher Adams: Biomorphic Moments
Opening: April 9, 2026. 5-7pmDFN Projects, 41 East 57th St. NYC
April 9 – May 8, 2026
Christopher Adams creates sculptures that play on biological concepts, specifically adaptive radiation, whereby a pioneering organism enters an untapped environment and differentiates rapidly without straying far from its original form. His sculptures suggest varieties of plants and creatures, though not specific organisms. Many works evoke plant life, with leafy tendrils and frayed edges, while underlying structures often hint at the ordered systems of sacred geometry—subtle symmetries and repeating forms that suggest a deeper, almost cosmological logic embedded within organic growth. Adams merges his understanding of biology with ceramic surface to create ever-evolving finishes. A sense of play is apparent (what he calls promiscuous glazing), as he manipulates color and texture in his ceramic menagerie.
Adams was born in Medford, MA. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, majoring in organismic and evolutionary biology, all the while keeping a working art studio through their Ceramics Department. In 2004 he graduated from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The artist made his public debut at the Scope New York art fair in March 2006 to rave reviews and a sold-out booth.
Reviewing the fair, Ken Johnson of The New York Times described the sculptures as: “wonderfully delicate, spiky objects that look like specimens of underwater flora and fauna from another planet.”
Adams’s work is found in numerous collections, including the Museum of Art and Design, New York, Collection of The Bunker /Beth Rudin DeWoody, Palm Beach, the Collection of the American Embassy in Mexico City and the Academy Art Museum in Maryland.
“His porcelain can be precious and delicate, and his glazes dramatically complex, but it is the imagery itself that is so compelling.” - Joseph Jacobs, Art + Antiques
“Creepily beautiful, Christopher Adams fashions wonderfully delicate, spiky objects that look like specimens of underwater flora and fauna from another planet.”
- Ken Johnson, New York Times
“Influenced by his biology background, Adams illustrates the concept of adaptive radiation (when an organism enters an unpopulated environment and differentiates rapidly) in with his surreal series of animal-like forms.”
- Nastia Voynovskaya, Hi-Fructose Magazine Blog, August 2013
