Ma Yansong and his team at MAD Architects have once again intrigued audience with their latest installation, Ephemeral Bubble, showcased at the prestigious 2024 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan. This visionary artwork not only integrates into the rural landscape but also reimagines the relationship between contemporary design and traditional Japanese architecture.
Situated within the quaint Murono Village, Ephemeral Bubble delicately emerges from a century-old wooden house, evoking the image of a bubble gently wafting from its sturdy confines. This innovative design introduces a transient and flexible space, mirroring the ephemeral qualities of air itself. The biomorphic form of the bubble draws inspiration from natural shapes, offering a serene and interactive environment that encourages emotional and spiritual exploration.
Inside the bubble, visitors encounter a spacious and undefined interior, adaptable for various activities such as performances, ceremonies, and gatherings. The installation’s white interior reflects the surrounding greenery, creating an ambiance suffused with soft, diffused light. This blend of virtual and tangible elements breathes new life into the historic structure, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition.
The concept of Ephemeral Bubble extends beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a deliberate “de-symbolisation,” where the installation serves as a catalyst for cultural revitalisation within the traditional village setting. This approach aligns with MAD Architects’ philosophy of creating spaces that transcend conventional boundaries, fostering dialogue between heritage and innovation.
Notably, the Murono Village site, now known as the China House Huayuan, has been pivotal in facilitating artistic exchange between Chinese and Japanese communities since its establishment in 2016. It continues to play a crucial role in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.
Ma Yansong’s previous contribution to the festival, the celebrated “Tunnel of Light” at Kiyotsu Gorge in 2018, exemplifies his commitment to integrating art with nature. This 750-meter-long tunnel, reimagined from a structure dating back to 1996, has become a landmark known for its minimalist design and profound spiritual resonance. The success of “Tunnel of Light” underscores MAD Architects’ ability to inspire both spiritual reflection and economic revitalisation in the region.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival was launched in 2000, the biennial event has attracted artists from over 100 countries, contributing over 230 permanent artworks that transform the landscape into an expansive outdoor museum. With millions of visitors annually, the festival has not only enhanced the cultural prestige of the Echigo-Tsumari region but also significantly bolstered its economy.
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FACT FILE:
Design Team: Ma Yansong, Yosuke Hayano, Dang Qun, Yu Nagasaki, Rozita Kashirtseva, Valentina Olivieri, Hu Jing-Chang
Contractors: Green Sigma Co.,Ltd., Adachi Zoukeisha
Photography courtesy: Zhu Yumeng, Osamu Nakamura
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