In a world where the boundaries between reality and AI are becoming harder to spot, Alex Proba reminds us that the real thing always wins. Through her creative practice, Studio Proba, her latest public installation, Unbounded Sanctuary, takes over the outdoor grounds and indoor floors of the newly opened Grand Joy City Mall in Shenzhen, China. From lush greenery to polished interior, her colorful, larger-than-life sculptures create an immersive world that feels equal parts playground, gallery, and dreamscape. “Unbounded Sanctuary is meant to feel like a living, growing landscape – where each sculpture is a character in a shared story,” shares Proba. “The idea was to create a world that feels both surreal and comforting. Something people can return to again and again.”
The installation features seven large-scale sculptures – Where Wildflowers Dream, Uplifted Bloom, Balancing Root, Nestkeeper, Windbloom, The Tended Field, and Where Wildflowers Meet – each crafted from sculpted fiberglass and hand-shaped foam. Their smooth surfaces and saturated hues give them a dream-like quality. Some reach skyward like they’re stretching toward the sun, while others hug the ground, sprawling into the greenery.
With all her projects, Proba seeks to stir emotion and awaken a sense of wonder. Unbounded Sanctuary carries that forward, offering the joy of stepping into a surrealized landscape of nature. From afar, the bold colors and oversized forms demand attention, but it’s the invitation to explore up close – to wander around, view the works from every angle, and connect with both the environment and each other – that makes the experience linger.
Unbounded Sanctuary marks Studio Proba’s first-ever public installation in mainland China, following a series of public commissions across North America and Europe. While each project carries her unmistakable signature – vivid color, organic layering, and forms that feel alive – this one feels especially timely in today’s digital age. It reminds us that, while AI has its place, nothing compares to the delight of stumbling upon art in the real world – especially where you least expect it.
To learn more about Studio Proba’s latest works, visit studioproba.com.
Photography courtesy of Studio Proba.
