On Friday, December 6, 2024, "Year End Party 2024 (YEP)" was held at Loftwork in Shibuya.
This year's theme was "2050 — Pluriverse." While the future of 2050 might seem like it already has answers, it's likely not that simple. With a toast at YEP, we explored the possibilities of a world that isn't singular but multifaceted.
The venue featured exhibitions related to various projects Loftwork has been involved in, creating opportunities for visitors to freely interact and share their visions of the future. At the AWRD booth, part of the project "Sense of the Unseen Vol.1: Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" was on display, highlighting environmental issues related to nitrogen through the lens of "ghost stories," which attracted much attention. We bring you a report on the atmosphere of the event, including visitors' impressions.
Reflecting on the Exhibition "Sense of the Unseen Vol.1: Ghost Stories and Nitrogen," Which Tackled Nitrogen Issues Through the Lens of "Ghost Stories"
"Sense of the Unseen Vol.1: Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" is a collaborative project between researchers and creators, exploring the invisible presence of "nitrogen" through the lens of "ghost stories."
The project aims to reexamine our awareness of nitrogen—a substance that significantly impacts our lives and the Earth's environment yet often goes unnoticed—through artistic works.
The exhibition, held in September 2024 at FabCafe Kyoto and in November 2024 at FabCafe Tokyo, delves into nitrogen’s duality. Nitrogen constitutes 78% of the air we breathe and plays a key role in ammonia production. In the early 20th century, humanity discovered how to synthesize ammonia from nitrogen, revolutionizing agriculture with chemical fertilizers. This breakthrough allowed us to grow an abundance of crops and livestock, enriching our diets and lifestyles.
However, excessive exploitation of nitrogen has led to its leakage into the environment, harming both human and ecological health. The project metaphorically illustrates how our unchecked greed has caused repercussions from this once-supportive, unseen presence.
Through narratives and sensory-stimulating works, the "Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" project brought nitrogen issues to life, receiving positive acclaim in Kyoto and Tokyo. The project is archived on AWRD, providing an open platform where creators who resonate with its theme can participate in the process.
The exhibition featured three groups of creators: a ghost storyteller, a sound artist, and a cocktail stand themed around water and distillation. Each of them crafted unique works inspired by the themes of "ghost stories" and "nitrogen," bringing new perspectives to the interplay between the invisible and the tangible.
The Mingle, a cocktail stand by Fureku themed around water and distillation, was featured at YEP. The concept centers on the idea of "mixing" or "blending."
The Mingle
The cocktail stand Fureku, with the concept of water and distillation, created "Incense," inspired by the relationship between human desires, abundance, and nitrogen.
The invisible fear was experienced through scent, and an immersive experience emerged where consciousness blended through prayer and simulated dialogue.
In this way, the "Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" project, where different creators expressed nitrogen issues through their unique approaches, transformed a scientific theme into art, prompting deep reflection among the audience.
https://awrd.com/creatives/detail/16043503
The collaborators of the project include a ghost storyteller and a sound artist.
The ghost storyteller Sakura Fukatsu drew inspiration from the "trade-off relationship" of the nitrogen issue and displayed the ghost stories she has collected as a "Hundred Tales" exhibition. She conveys the dual nature of ghost stories as entertainment, encouraging reflection on the price paid for the thrill and excitement they provide.
Inhaled and Exhaled
Sound artist Fūshi Sano created an immersive installation that allows participants to experience the presence of invisible nitrogen through sound via breathing.
The installation expresses how nitrogen, which we unconsciously inhale and exhale through our breath, drifts through the air, quietly connecting us to the world.
https://awrd.com/creatives/detail/16021754
Provided YEP attendees with new perspectives and inspiration.
Many of the attendees at YEP, who were encountering the theme of "Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" for the first time, were puzzled and curious, wondering, "How do ghost stories and nitrogen relate?" However, after receiving explanations, many were convinced, exclaiming, "I see, this is an interesting approach!"
The exhibition was praised for creatively presenting the complex environmental issue of nitrogen in an approachable way, which earned positive responses like, "This is fascinating!"
Artists who had previously worked with nitrogen as a subject also expressed interest, leading to the discovery of new potential collaborators. YEP facilitated creative exchanges.
Moreover, the involvement of unique creators, such as ghost storytellers and the cocktail stand, garnered attention. By showcasing this project, new perspectives were likely offered to the attendees.
The possibilities for the future created through co-creation with creators – Reflections and Outlook from the Organizers
Nitrogen, which is being considered for use not only in food production but also as an alternative energy source, quietly supports the development and prosperity of our society. However, if we are too greedy, it may backfire. This project raises these issues by framing them through "ghost stories."
Through co-creation with three creators, a series of experiences was designed: "Perceiving the existence of nitrogen," "Touching on the issue," and "Bringing home the ghost story with its lingering effect." By approaching "nitrogen" in a way that differs from the academic perspective, we were able to break through the wall of indifference. I’m delighted that, through Loftwork’s unique approach, we were able to move the hearts of the visitors and create opportunities for dialogue!
At YEP, we also met someone who created a fragrance inspired by nitrogen. Moving forward, I hope that, through AWRD's archive page, serendipity will continue to unfold in a gentle manner.
This project is often asked, "Why ghost stories?" and once that simple question is posed, it’s easy for us to explain.
"Nitrogen is something that is always nearby but invisible. It can be like a guardian spirit, offering positive influence, but if we complicate our relationship with it, it can turn into a malevolent force, like an evil spirit." When we explain it this way, even people with little knowledge of nitrogen tend to respond with, "I see!"
In this project, when discussing the nitrogen issue, "ghost stories" serve as a way to abstractly explain the relationship between nitrogen and humans. Additionally, through the exhibition pieces created by the artists, they became a medium to evoke the inner imagination of the audience about nitrogen.
This approach is not limited to nitrogen. When dealing with invisible or latent issues and values, or complex problems with intertwined causal relationships (so-called "wicked problems"), I believe we must continue to search for alternative approaches. Rather than simply explaining facts or logic, or advocating for one single truth, we aim to explore alternative ways of thinking.
What does creative co-creation bring about?
The more specialized the issue, the less general it becomes, making it harder to explain. Even with careful explanation, it might be difficult to spark interest. In such cases, can we create an experience that initially evokes the feeling of "What is this?" and use it as a starting point to draw out curiosity?
For collaborating creators, specialized topics can be challenging, but deeply understanding and engaging in dialogue about those challenges during the creation process can also lead to new ideas and methods.
At AWRD, not only are competitions aiming for awards held, but projects that invite people with interest are also organized. If you have developed an interest in nitrogen or are already working on related pieces, I encourage you to join the archive. You might gain new connections and inspiration!
Related Information
[Call for Ideas & Works] Open Archives of 'Sense of the Unseen Vol.1 Ghost Stories and Nitrogen'
We are still accepting creators to participate in 'Sense of the Unseen Vol.1 Ghost Stories and Nitrogen'. We invite submissions of ideas and works themed around "the invisible" or "nitrogen" to join the Open Archives project. Please consider participating!
Application Period: Until Monday, March 31, 2025
Eligibility: Open to everyone
Application Fee: Free
How to Apply: https://awrd.com/award/sense-of-the-unseen
Note: User registration on AWRD is required (free of charge).
A co-creation project between researchers and creators, "Sense of the Unseen Vol.1", which explores the perception of invisible entities.
We held a roundtable discussion with Professor Kentaro Hayashi from the Earth-Life Science Institute and guest artist Kazushi Sano, alongside Loftwork producer Fukumi Yamada, to reflect on the creative process behind the project. Looking back at the journey leading up to the "Ghost Stories and Nitrogen" exhibition, we continued the discussion on the "Nitrogen Issue" with participating creators, sharing insights and exploring the future vision of the project as an open platform for ongoing dialogue.
https://awrd.com/blog/2024/11/sense-of-the-unseen-01
Writing & Editing: AWRD Editorial Team
