Swimming in a glowing, underwater sea of jellyfish would be a really beautiful experience. But, with limited access to the deep sea, this interactive installation by artist Takahiro Matsuo could be considered a backup to that kind of actual encounter. The dark blue room, a reminder of the oceanic abyss, is a seamlessly flowing design in which viewers can appreciate the beauty of these fascinating creatures without having to actually run the risk of a jellyfish sting.
The Japanese artist worked in collaboration with architect Akihisa Hirata to define this unique, 3D spatial experience where exploration through light, projections, architecture, and human interactions is strongly encouraged. As visitors approach the walls, move around, and walk away, the number and frequency of jellyfish increases and decreases. The organic forms and the glowing palette of blues create a surreal, underwater world where playful movements and interactions with architectural space result in an unspoken communication between artist and participant. One reviewer states, “Thanks to the specific architecture of the space, it is an unexpected experience similar to swimming amongst a coral reef.”
