Mono

In 2023, the artist conducted a two-month artist-in-residence research program in Yamanashi, Japan. Yamanashi is home to Japan’s most famous volcano, Mount Fuji, and boasts many volcanic landscapes such as lava terrain, ice caves, and primeval forests throughout the area. During the residency, the artist collected volcanic rocks and moss to explore the relationship between the natural environment and the local belief in Goddess Sengen. Throughout the process, the artist discovered that rocks are not only seen as products of crustal movement, but also as objects of worship in shrines.

Based on this research, the artist engaged in a dialogue with the local culture through virtual technology under the concept of Mono (meaning “things” and “objects” in Japanese). The artwork creates a virtual reality/mixed reality space that is produced locally within a traditional Japanese-style room (washitsu). The thin paper doors in washitsu separates the inside and outside, symbolizing the subtle boundary between natural and artificial spaces. Using mixed reality and hand tracking, the artwork guides the audience through a unique spatial experience, exploring the borders between reality and virtuality, materiality and spirituality, and divinity and worldliness. Through this experience, the artwork aims to prompt the audience to consider: “Can virtual space serve as a container for the deities?” and “If so, in what form would it manifest?”


Credit:
Artist, Director | Tuan Mu
UX Engineer | Lin Hung
Sound Designer | Chen Lin-Shuang
Performer | Miyu Yabuki
English Translator | Ray He
Special Thanks | Lin Su-Lin, Ray He, Misuzu Kamoshida, SARUYA Artist Residency