Borrowed Nature

The Borrowed Nature draws inspiration from the shared landscape design technique known as “borrowed scenery”, or jiejing and shakkei, found in both Chinese and Japanese traditions. The installation reflects on the contemporary urban condition, shaped by the pervasive presence of networked objects such as mobile phones, and how these technologies have altered the ways we perceive and navigate the city in recent decades.

This kinetic installation, equipped with multiple sensors and networked sculptural elements, creates a viewing experience that negotiates the boundary between the material and the virtual, prompting a dialogue on the relationship between technology and landscape.

The installation comprises eight flower-like units hovering above a water bed within a gallery space measuring 6 × 7 meters. Each unit is embedded with a motion sensor to track audience movement and a Wi-Fi module to communicate with the other units. When a visitor approaches, a flower responds with a welcoming gesture, bowing and unfolding its petals. Activated units also transmit signals to nearby flowers, generating a cascading network of light interactions that radiate throughout the space.