Ma Yasong’s MAD may be known for its otherworldly architecture, but the global design practice has always had a pulse in contemporary art. For this year’s Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, MAD has unveiled “Ephemeral Bubble,” a large-scale biomorphic installation that’s taken home in the Japanese countryside.
Its ambiguous appearance looks like a bubble, a blob of smoke, a bedside lamp while also being reminiscent of ethereal creatures from a Studio Ghibli film. According to MAD, the inspiration behind the “Ephemeral Bubble” is nature. Its form, soft yet fluid, evokes a conversation with its historical and rustic surroundings.
The work is attached to a century-old house in Murono Village, tucked away in Tokamachi, a city known for its mythical allure and beguiling natural beauty. Before one enters the “Ephemeral Bubble,” one must first walk through the historic building, allowing visitors to embark on an “emotive and spiritual exploration.”
This isn’t the first time MAD Architects presented their works at the art festival. Back in 2017, they created “Tunnel of Light,” which explored ideas of nature, and spiritual experience with minimalist design.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is open for visiting until November 10, 2024. For ticket inquiries, head over to the festival’s official website.
