As everything in the world from news, education and entertainment gets modernized, upgraded and digitized, art is also going digital. Of course there has always been digital art since the advent of computers but now art is becoming more interactive, custom made to the viewer and immersive.
teamLab “ is an art collective, interdisciplinary group of ultra technologists whose collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, design and the natural world.” This company of collaborators include artists, engineers, animators and designers that work together to bring art to life. Using their light, digital imagery and mapping technologies they can create a world where art and people flow into one and create a new hybrid art.
The art spaces they have created can be seen in exhibits all around the world. Check out the teamLab website to find the closest exhibit to you.
But in this post I want to share with you my experience at teamLab: Borderless which is held in Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Odaiba. Easy to find as it is located under the giant colorful Ferris wheel which is a major landmark in Odaiba.
The museum has no real maps or specific flow so guests can go any direction they want and stay as long as they like. All the rooms also play ambient music and sometimes sound effects of water or bugs is accompanied with the digital art.
One thing you will notice is that everyone, especially girls, are ready with their phones and digital cameras trying to the best Instagram shot ever. Because the art and lights change and move, no place remains the same. Meaning the longer you stay the more art you will be able to interact with. Also, the more sexy poses you will be able to make per room.
Not only do the walls, floors and ceilings have moving images, but many rooms have objects and tangible art that people can touch or climb. From the giant glowing neon balls, forest of lily pads and trees or athletic forest where you can jump on a giant universe and create planets. The swarm of butterflies are a beautiful sight to see while stepping on alligators and lizards will shock them for a few seconds.
The café in the museum is also dark and has digital flowers that bloom in your drink. As you move the drink the flowers fade and reappear. Every experience in this museum has been creatively designed to immerse you into the art itself.
Definitely a wonderful place for couples, families with children, art lovers, photographers and those looking to be Instagram models. If you are interested in being part of a moving and living art experience than I highly recommend teamLab: Borderless in Tokyo.
Although this place is wheelchair accessible via elevators, half of the exhibits are in areas where wheelchairs may not go because of the hills or inclines. Also, those sensitive to flashing lights or motion sickness might not enjoy the experience as the entire museum from floors to walls to ceilings are lit and constantly moving.
The price of entrance is 3200 yen and it is definitely better to reserve tickets in advance as they sell out quick. The place opens from 10 am to 7 pm and you should give yourself about 2 to 3 hours to get the best experience. But be warned some of the special exhibits like the floating nest and Forest of Lamps have lines inside the museum that can go up to an hour wait.
Check out the teamLab website for tickets.
Comments