Presented as part of Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13, The Constant Gardeners is a futuristic art installation by Jason Bruges Studio that is said to be their most ambitious project to date.
Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Arts Council Tokyo, the Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL Special 13 is an initiative that aims to promote Japan’s capital as a centre for arts and culture to an international audience watching the 2020 Summer Olympics.
For the festival, a total of 2,436 project proposals from within Japan and around the world were submitted for approval, with only 13 being selected. One of the 13 projects selected being The Constant Gardeners.
Utilizing industrial robotics and computing, the kinetic installation recreates the ancient art and culture of Japanese zen gardens with a modern twist.
On a rectangular gravel canvas, four robots rake illustrations that are based on the movements of athletes. The illustrations are generated by a series of algorithms that analyze video footage of previous Olympic and Paralympic events.
“A meditation on tradition, craftsmanship and the evolving roles of technology, The Constant Gardeners offers visitors a peaceful space for quiet introspection in the heart of Tokyo’s cultural district,” says Jason Bruges Studio. “It explores a new narrative around robots, showing this technology to be a force capable of artistic creativity and experimental action, one that is instrumental in our journey toward a happier and healthier future.”
All images in this article are courtesy of Jason Bruges Studio.
