In the realm of art and design, the exploration of human-animal relationships is a captivating journey, and the recent installation by MEUW (Socius novus) at Milan Design Week 2026 is a testament to this. This thought-provoking piece, crafted by Jaemo Lee and Lisa Schober, challenges our perceptions of companionship and the boundaries we draw between humans and other creatures. What makes this installation truly remarkable is its ability to provoke a range of emotions and questions, leaving viewers with a lasting impression long after they've left the exhibition.
A Soft, Pink Revolution
The core of MEUW's appeal lies in its three squishy, pale pink creatures, which are not pets or robots but rather objects that simulate companionship. These creatures, with their near-translucent bodies, are a far cry from the typical animal companions we are accustomed to. Instead, they invite us to reconsider the very nature of human-animal bonds and the role we play in their lives. The installation's setting, an abandoned military hospital in Milan, adds an intriguing layer to this narrative, as if the creatures have been discovered in a hidden, forgotten corner of the world.
The Process Behind the Slippery Friends
The creation of these creatures is a fascinating journey in itself. Lee and Schober's starting point was a critical observation of the reptile pet industry, particularly the breeding and trading of leopard geckos. They were intrigued by how these animals are often transformed into collectible or decorative objects, almost like accessories, while their conditions of captivity remain highly artificial. This led them to question why humans continue to desire and possess animals as pets, even when the relationship is often based more on projection, aesthetics, or status than on mutual emotional connection.
One key reference that influenced their work was Carlo Mollino's Walking Dragon from 1964, which imagined a non-animal companion as an alternative to the lap dog, shifting attention from the animal itself to the symbolic role it plays in human life. They also drew inspiration from David Cronenberg's eXistenZ, particularly the game pod as a strange body connected companion that is carried, cared for, and almost treated like a living being. These references helped them imagine MEUW as a speculative object that questions the desire to own, project onto, and emotionally attach to another form of life.
The Haptic Experience
When visitors encountered the creatures, they were met with a range of reactions. Many were initially hesitant to approach, but their curiosity soon took over. An essential aspect of the installation was encouraging visitors to touch and interact with the creatures, as the haptic experience creates an immediate sense of connection. Regardless of age, visitors seemed to have an instinctive urge to pet, hold, and care for the creatures. Once people picked them up, their own movements were transferred to the MEUW, making it feel as though the creature had come to life.
The weight of the creatures also played a significant role in this experience. The largest MEUW weighs nearly 12 kg, giving it a strong physical presence and further reinforcing the feeling of interacting with a living being. This haptic experience is a crucial element of the installation, as it allows visitors to connect with the creatures on a more intimate level, blurring the lines between the real and the simulated.
The Future of Companion Animals
MEUW's creatures are not just objects; they are a speculative exploration of the future of companion animals. The installation invites us to consider the possibility of alternative forms of relation that require no care, no habitat, and no responsibility toward a living being. It raises a deeper question: what if we could have companions that are not animals, but rather objects that simulate companionship? This idea is particularly fascinating in an era where technology is rapidly advancing and our relationships with machines are becoming increasingly complex.
In conclusion, MEUW's installation at Milan Design Week 2026 is a thought-provoking exploration of human-animal relationships. It challenges our perceptions of companionship and the boundaries we draw between humans and other creatures. The creatures, with their soft, pink bodies and haptic experience, invite us to reconsider the very nature of human-animal bonds and the role we play in their lives. As we continue to push the boundaries of art and design, MEUW's work serves as a reminder of the power of speculative thinking and the importance of questioning our assumptions about the world around us.
