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VIDEO
A video says 1000 pictures. 

Synergy

Running Time: 1:57 min

Medium: LED, collimating lens, HIMACS Solid Surface Material, dichroic acrylic, rasberry pi.

 

Description: Synergy by Shohei Katayama is a kinetic artwork behind the reception desk on level three at the UPMC Mercy Pavilion. Its shape is made from two intersecting ovals that reference commonality, interaction, and cooperation. The ovals are filled with a slowly moving light that shines through acrylic components shaped like rods and cones in the eye’s retina. The acrylic pieces are covered with a special dichroic film. When the LED lights pass through the pieces, the light bends, which is called refraction. The changing light patterns catch the attention of visitors and are a calming influence as they wait in the reception area.

As Below, So Above


Running Time: 0:58 min

Medium: glass, acrylic, sensors, motor, water, limestone, steel, plastic.

Description: As Below, So Above invites viewers to challenge their perceived reality and consider their place in a complex and ever-changing world. The exhibition draws inspiration from the ancient Hermetic phrase, “As Above, So Below” and explores the interplay and interconnectedness of ‘all things’ through a dynamic work spanning two levels of the Mattress Factory’s original warehouse building.
CASCADE

Running Time: 0:45 min

Medium: Motors, acrylic, stainless steel, PLA

 

Description: Cascade attempts to capture the fluid movement and energy of cascading water, as well as the sense of peacefulness and tranquility that can be found in their flow - constantly moving forward, never stopping or staying still.

Life is full of twists and turns, and ups and downs. The constant push and pull of different forces can be tumultuous at times with unexpected challenges and obstacles arising. But just as a river eventually finds its way to the sea by carving through landscapes, we can be flexible and adaptable to take control of our own journey, and shape it to fit our own unique path to a place of peace and understanding.

When Navigation Fails

Running Time: 1:54 min

Medium: Sand, motor, wood, concrete, PLA, TPU.

 

​​Description: In When Navigation Fails, a desperate mechanical hand traverses a delicate sand pattern, encapsulating the challenges of forward momentum without due reflection. The sand's 'flower of life' geometric motif symbolizes the equilibrium of nature, progressively disrupted by the hand's hesitant journey. As we venture forth, often driven more by ambition than clarity, we stand at the precipice of undermining the fundamental pillars that anchor us, veering onto a path where true direction is elusive. Much like the hand, absent of sight and navigating blindly, we too can be entangled by the seductive pull of unchecked advancement. The work attempts to underscore the pressing perils of unchecked technological growth and the dire need for conscious progression.

Proximity at 5 Manhattan West

Running Time: 1:50 min

Medium: ABS, solar cells, motor, glass, LED.

 

Description: Proximity embraces principles of order and chaos. Arranged carefully in the lobby of 5 Manhattan West in a geometrical pattern that creates a larger system, each mechanical unit with attached solar panels develops its own individuality through the dynamic interplay between position, and levels of sunlight, artificial light, and shadows. Using visual phenomena as an allegory for the cyclical nature of life, light, and routines, the work creates a meditative and contemplative space through its movement and sound.

The Country of Eternal Light

Running Time: 5:48 min

 

Description: Video footage exhibited with specimens collected from Svalbard at Space Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA. Content includes timelapse footages of Arctic landscapes during the Arctic Circle residency in 2018.

Helix

Running Time: 0:21 min

Medium: Bamboo from site, motor, epoxy, HMA.

 

Description: A kinetic sculpture made during a residency at Grounds for Sculpture through the International Sculpture Center. Bamboo was harvested onsite.

Mood

Running Time: 0:31 min

Medium: Liquid crystals, steel, epoxy.

 

Description: How's your side of the planet feeling? A planetary mood ring that shifts colors through the ambient temperature.

Butterflies

Running Time: 1:00 min

Medium: Aluminum, dichroic acrylic, chameleon paint, motors.

 

Description: A flythrough of a lobby installation for Facebook's Reality Lab. Click here for more information.

Imaginary Landscape

Running Time: 0:27 min

Medium: Artist's brain 3D printed, liquid crystals, 60w bulb, arduino, plants.

Description: It's my brain...

Flythrough "Flight"

Running Time: 0:50 min

Medium: Rhino

 

Description: A flythrough of the CAD file for the airport sculpture Flight. Click here to see the project.

Flythrough "Butterflies"

Running Time: 0:57 min

Medium: Rhino

 

Description: A flythrough of the CAD file for the lobby installation Butterflies. Click here to see the project.

Driving Me Nuts

Running Time: 1:30 min

Medium: Motion sensor, motor, magnets, acorns

 

Description: A hidden motion sensor reacts to the movement of uninformed viewers, triggering the acorns to move in a way that disrupts the microcosm. The work questions the exchange between the intentional and the natural, the seen and the unseen, and the organic in inorganic systems.

Kaikou :: civilization

Running Time: 0:59 min

Medium: Strontium aluminate, dinoflagellates, sea water, epoxy, motor, glass

 

Description: Phosphorescent pebbles are arranged to create a controlled structure resembling a shrine or Stonehenge. A culture of bioluminescent algae resides in the space between the floating, rotating ring. The dinoflagellates light up when a hidden dripper unit drops salt water from the ceiling. 

Balance [Type-II]

Running Time: 1:12 min

 

Composed of iron shavings and cobalt flakes which react to a motorized magnet, the piece exists in the state of perpetual change.  In much the same way, human activity and natural occurrences can initiate both individual and cultural changes that are in constant fluctuation.

 

Waltz

Running Time: 0:33 min

 

Three levitating discs that spin, orbit, and emit light through wireless induction coils, inserted between a sheet of mirror and silver tinted glass, surrounded by LEDs. The piece creates a dialogue on the cyclical nature of individual lives that reside in a metropolis and its effect on their spirituality.  The piece is an evolution and combination of previous works, “Force,” “Divinity,” and “Mugen”.

Proximity

Running Time: 1:04 min

 

A grid of turning polished glass beads.  Each unit is powered by a set of solar panels.  Embedded in the framework are florescent tubes that provide a degree of UV to move several, but not all of the parts.  For the entire piece to function as a whole, an external source of energy is needed – the sun.  For the most part, present-day society functions with fossil fuels (florescent tubes).  Unless a viable and sustainable source (the sun) is integrated to support the energy consumption of over population, humanity as a whole cannot thrive.

Force

Running Time: 1:13 min

 

A levitating sphere that spins, orbits, and emits a light using its own centripetal force. Commenting on the invisible, ubiquitous, and transformative forces of energy, the installation is a study that explores the process and conversion of electricity.  Considering the formal aspects, the phenomenon simulates the subtle movements of a black hole and the emission of quasars. The piece is an evolution of a previous work, “Divinity”.

 

Meikyo-Shisui: Magnetic Fishing

Running Time: 2:27 min

 

“Meikyo-Shisui” in Japanese translates to, “clear mirror-still water.”  It is an expression to describe the clarity of one’s mind when there is no malice or disruption, similar to how the surface of still water can become the clearest mirror on a calm day. 

 

Using a 500lb. pull force neodymium magnet attached to a nylon string, the metal reactive items were fished out over a course of a month.  In exploring parallels between the Japanese fishing culture and the remnants of the pollutants of the industrial era, the work investigates the relation through discovery of archeological remains. 

Video editing by: Nathaniel Hendrickson

Divinity

Running Time: 0:32 min

 

A levitating moss island hovering above a sheet of mirror.  Electromagnets and sensors are used to sustain the magnet in air.  The piece creates a dialogue concerned with environmental, ecological, and sustainability issues, aiming to advance and understand the dynamics of anthropogenic systems.  The work suggests what landscapes in the future could be, on a planet where population continues to grow at an exponential rate.

GEN Exhibition Opening

Running Time: 3:56 min

 

A short clip of my first solo exhibition at Crane House - The Asia Institute. Works include paintings, sculptures and installations. 

ENBU Exhibition Opening

Running Time: 3:15 min

 

A short clip of my solo exhibition at Pyro Gallery. Works include experimental artwork fabricated with magnets, silver, lights, water, superhydrophobic surfaces and thermal adhesive glue. 

 

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