
ethereal phenomena
Ethereal Phenomena is an interactive installation in which a user meditates in front of a digital illustration based on Tibetan thangka art that reacts to their breathing. Through the biofeedback, the work becomes an extension of the user’s body and a reflection of their mind.
Breathing links our inner and outer experiences. It reflects and influences all aspects of our perception and emotion. As an essential part of meditation, it is crucial for the transformation of consciousness.
The thangka illustration has a layered structure that depicts the metaphysical cosmos. The music is a mantra-like chant that alters perception through repetition. These Buddhist tantric practices are meant to produce an experience of liberation
By connecting the breath to the motion of the image and the sounds, Ethereal Phenomena creates a circular process in which the body is mirrored and influenced by the audiovisual field. The sense of self is expanded into the work and vice versa.
The biofeedback interaction is designed to promote slower and deeper abdominal breath, generating a calming and focusing effect. Throughout the meditation, the whole work progressively reveals new movements and sounds.
Ethereal Phenomena
Original language: Japanese
Breathing Biofeedback. Body-Mind-Spirit. Meditation Tool. Ritual Media. Digital Thangka Art.
[interactive installation]

exhibitions / conferences / publications
The Future of Rituals and Resonance (Art Gallery)
SIGGRAPH Asia
Tokyo International Forum
December 2021
Tokyo, Japan
TEI '22: Sixteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction
February 2022
Daejeon, Korea
Keio Media Design Forum
Change Tomorrow / ちょっと先のおもしろい未来
Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba
July 2021
Tokyo, Japan