Michael Rees brings mysticism into the realm of digital technology.  After acclaimed gallery exhibitions and an appearance in the 1995 Whitney Biennial in New York, Rees returned to his native Kansas City to teach and concentrate on his work.  About four years ago, he began to experiment with RP technologies.  His surreal  sculptures develop from interests in Hinduism, the physical and spiritual aspects of the human body, and advanced technology.  The series Ajna 3, a meditation on the cycle of life and death, refers in its title and meaning to the Vedic body structure.  “Ajna” is the sixth chakra, or energy point that is positioned between the eyes.  The sculptures Ajna 3 Amber, 1998, Ajna 3 Blue, 1998 and related 2-D digital prints feature an abstracted uterus (built in a CAD program from anatomical photographs) encased in a human skull (which is based on CAT scans).  Organic forms flower like lotuses from the forehead, sides and top of the skull.  A tiny elephant, cow’s head and human hand also spring from the skull.  Ajna 3 Amber, 1998 (sterolithograph) is translucent like organic amber; it reveals the uterus within like a layer of  skin.  Ajna 3 Blue, 1998 (3D Digital print) is more solid and grainy.  The new technology not only solves sculptural problems for Rees, but its varieties of textures, colors and forms allow him to imbue his works with more meaning. (M>M)