While it may look like a mechanised version of the worms from Tremors, this animatronic sculpture from South Korean artist U-Ram Choe is quite harmless and actually shaped after a seal. And everybody loves seals, right?
Entitled “Custos Cavum,” Latin for “Guardian of the Hole,” the piece is designed to gently “breathe” while the protrusions on its back sway in an invisible breeze. It even has a back story,
Once upon a time, there were two worlds. They were connected to each other through a number of small holes, as if the worlds were breathing through these holes. However, the holes had a tendency to close up, so there were guardians next to each one to keep them open. The guardians were called “Custos Cavum.” They took the form of seals and had large front teeth, which they used to gnaw the holes to prevent them from closing up.
“Guardian of the Hole” is currently on display at the Asia Society Museum in New York until the end of the year. [Asia Society via Laughing Squid]