Although Matta is best-known as a painter, he began making sculpture in 1957. Much of the artist's work showed organic forms floating in a cosmic space, a theme which is continued in 'Chaosmos'. The title of the piece is a combination of the words 'chaos' and 'cosmos'. The twisted figure suggests a monster or idol, studded with, what appear to be, tiny bronze heads. Matta sent a video-recorded message for the opening of the Dean Gallery in 1999 and this sculpture was acquired at that time.