Bonsai House of the Four Seasons up in Omiya is hosting an interactive audiovisual art installation by composer and new media artist Leonid Zvolinsky from February 8 to February 16. Organised by Arts Council Saitama, the exhibition is part of a larger project designed to promote Saitama City’s cultural assets – from bonsai to manga and dollmaking through digital art.
'Imaginary Saitama' is a 2023 project conducted in collaboration with the Tokyo University of the Arts Center for Curatorial Studies, targeting young creators and curators. The project solicited digital artwork and curation proposals inspired by Saitama City's cultural assets: bonsai, manga, dolls and railways. Selected artists received year-long support from the Arts Council Saitama to develop their works.
Zvolinsky’s work ‘Sleeping Memory’ is themed on bonsai and expresses Saitama’s urban memories through images and sound from the perspective of a miniature tree. Watch as the projected bonsai tree reacts to its immediate surroundings using Kinect sensors and Arduino boards, making for a truly interactive show.
Don’t miss the opening event on February 8 from 3pm, where the artist explains the artwork and gives a special opening performance that combines the work with physical performance and music. Attendance is limited to 15 people and admission is free. Advance reservations can be made on the official website.