The Toro-bots and the Generative Garden (2014 – 2021)

A traditional Japanese garden is a miniaturised natural landscape. Following clear aesthetic principles (symbolism and scene borrowing, concealment and balance in balanced asymmetry), a Japanese garden induces meditation through peaceful contemplation. Inspired by nature, it is nonetheless a man-made work of art. The human creator then withdraws from its creation, only intervening to maintain order in this miniature cosmos when necessary. Here we propose an autonomous and generative garden that takes care of itself and reconfigures according to the seasons. Humans (and a mischievous animated stone) introduce the necessary element of Chaos, while Order is maintained by three slightly opinionated robotic lanterns: the Toro-bots.

The Toro-Bots pay visit to Microwave (2021)
Having escaped the rigid rules of their garden in Kagurazaka, the fugitive lamp-gods Sakura-chan, Kaminari-chan and Tangerine-chan continue exploring the garden of humans. This time, they have decided to pay visit to Microwave Festival. Their unique personalities - fearful, curious and belligerent - shape an improvised and interactive choreography influenced by a past of (clearly not so) intense meditation.