Wa Study I

Harmony, peace and balance between people, nature and technology

Wa encourages people to consider the influence culture, religion and technology have on the way we define, perceive and value nature. Wa is an indoor garden, installed in Tokyo, where planting looks to move by a breeze. Wa is a kinetic sculpture, where the movement of the plants is controlled by IoT and motor technology. This work has successfully challenged audiences to consider their relationship with nature and technology and encourage conversation about their level of comfort with nature being augmented and changed by technology.

This work takes inspiration from an idea inherent in social relationships in Japanese culture and asks what we can learn from other cultures. It is named after wa (harmony, peace, and balance) an idea core to practicing Shinto.

Date:
2018

Materials:
Planting, Bespoke Software, and Mechatronics.

Dimensions:
1500 x 1500 x 1500 mm

Exhibitions:
3331 Arts Chiyoda, Tokyo

Residency
Playable City Tokyo

Production Team:
Hilary O’Shaughnessy – Playable City
Nanami Akimoto – British Council Japan

Supported by:
Playable City
British Council Japan
Arts Council Tokyo
Tokyo Tokyo Festival Grant Program
Rhizomatiks

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Tailoring Composites (2018)

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Burdon of Proof (2018)