VIVO Media Arts Centre presents Shiki & Ku, a large-scale immersive audio-visual installation by Vancouver-based soundscape artist Yota Kobayashi, from September 13th to 28th. Co-presented by VIVO Media Arts and Formscape Arts, in partnership with Vancouver New Music and IM4 Media Lab, the exhibition brings together international artists and collaborators to explore the dynamic tension between form and emptiness.
Springing from the Japanese concepts of shiki (form) and ku (emptiness), Shiki & K? is composed of two distinct but interconnected works:
- Kusou (2022) incorporates Japanese calligraphy by Aiko Hatanaka and the acoustic and electronic soundscapes of flutist Mark McGregor, rendered through multichannel projection and spatialized sound.
- Shinshiki (2025) draws inspiration from ancient Japanese animism and sacred spaces, featuring symbolic visuals created by Tokyo-based artist Ryo Kanda (Kezzardrix) and music performed by the acclaimed Italian string ensemble Quartetto Maurice.
Integrating research on spiritual and cultural aesthetics from across time and place both works were developed in close consultation with Japanese historian Rurihiko Hara.
Each work employs spatial sound, real-time generative visuals, and cultural symbolism to guide audiences through contemplative environments where visual language, sound, and tradition intertwine. These immersive works invite audiences to engage deeply with presence, perception, and cultural symbolism in a shared experiential space.
An international collaboration, the project touches Canada, Italy, and Japan, with contributions from a diverse team of artists and collaborators including;
- Yota Kobayashi (Vancouver) – Soundscape Art, Conception & Direction
- Ryo Kanda (Tokyo) – Visual Art
- Quartetto Maurice (Turin) – Strings Performance
- Mark McGregor (Vancouver) – Flute Performance
- Aiko Hatanaka (Tokyo) – Japanese Calligraphy
- Rurihiko Hara (Shizuoka) – Historical Research
Shiki & Ku will be on display, with free admission, from September 13 to 28, 2025 at VIVO Media Arts Centre, 2625 Kaslo Street, Vancouver. Opening Reception takes place September 13, 5-8pm following an Artist talk from 2-5pm. Visit formscape.art for installation details and more information.