Ralph Paquin’s Gene Columns Featured in “Of Cell and Sky” at Sims Contemporary NYC

Throughout the month of May, Sims Contemporary in New York City presents Of Cell and Sky, an exhibition that highlights the interconnectedness of organic forms and abstract structures. Among the featured artists is Ralph Paquin, whose Gene Column sculptures provide a striking conceptual and visual anchor to the show.

Paquin’s Gene Column series draws inspiration from the molecular processes that govern how our bodies manage information and energy. These contemporary abstract sculptures are both playful and profound, invoking a biomechanical vocabulary that feels both futuristic and elemental. Built using durable, modern materials and cold casting techniques, each sculpture is hand-finished and intentionally dimensional—designed to resonate with the unseen rhythms of life.

The artist’s broader practice is rooted in a lifelong curiosity about human biology, genetics, and consciousness. Over time, this curiosity has evolved into a rich investigation of cosmology, mysticism, and the origins of life itself. As Paquin explains, his work “bridges the tangible and the cosmic, the seen and the unseen,” drawing from both empirical knowledge and imaginative inquiry.

Gene Columns on display at Sims Contemporary

Founded to champion innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary art, Sims Contemporary has quickly become a dynamic platform for artists whose work explores the intersection of science, nature, and abstraction. The Of Cell and Sky exhibition provides the ideal backdrop for Paquin’s sculptures, which align perfectly with the show’s themes of transformation, rhythm, and invisible systems.

Three works from Paquin’s Gene Column series—Turquoise Gene Column, White on Off Gene Column, and Violet on Red Gene Column—are now on view and available for purchase through the gallery. Collectors interested in acquiring one of these sculptures can inquire directly at Sims Contemporary, where the full catalog is listed.

As Paquin’s sculptures continue to engage audiences in major exhibitions across the country, Of Cell and Sky offers a rare opportunity to experience his work in an intimate, gallery setting. These pieces invite viewers to contemplate the hidden geometries of life, from the cellular to the cosmic—rendered in vivid, sculptural form.

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Follow & connect with Ralph: @rpaquinart