Midori Yamazaki's "Waiting for the Wave" Triumphs in Digital Art

Metaverse Surfing Experience Wins A' Design Award

Midori Yamazaki's digital artwork, "Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse," captures the essence of a perfect surfing wave, blending the physical and virtual realms to challenge our perception of reality.

Yamazaki's latest creation is a testament to the evolving intersection of art and technology. The artwork, a visualization of a wave frozen in time, speaks to the human desire for beauty and the quest for eternal existence amidst the chaos of reality. The piece is a digital embodiment of hope, a testament to the resilience of human cognition in the face of technological upheaval.

The artwork's uniqueness lies in its method of creation, a harmonious blend of hand-drawn sketches and advanced simulations of ocean physics. In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Yamazaki has crafted a piece that marries the intuitive beauty of human artistry with the precision of scientific calculation. The result is a digital sculpture that exists both as a testament to the artist's skill and a tribute to the power of nature.

Realized through a combination of 2D and 3D design, "Waiting for the Wave" is a digital artwork that transcends the traditional boundaries of art. The sculptures, initially formed by hand, were then 3D scanned and superimposed onto transparent materials. These were photographed in the sea, creating a surreal and mesmerizing visual experience that challenges viewers' perceptions of reality and virtuality.

With a video format of 1920px by 1080px and static images measuring 460mm by 305mm, the artwork is designed to be as accessible as it is profound. The static and moving images serve as a digital homage to the natural world, a reminder of the enduring human connection to the environment, even as society navigates the complexities of the digital age.

The project, launched globally in May 2023, is not only a celebration of aesthetic beauty but also a reflection on the human condition. It stands as a beacon of hope, suggesting that even in a future where reality may become increasingly distorted, the human capacity for recognizing and cherishing beauty will remain unaltered.

Yamazaki's "Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse" has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to its innovative approach and contribution to digital art. The award celebrates designs that merge art, science, and technology, enhancing life quality and shaping a better future. Midori Yamazaki's work is a shining example of this ethos, pushing the boundaries of digital art and inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between humanity and the ever-evolving digital landscape.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Midori Yamazaki
Image Credits: Image #1: Image Midori Yamazaki, Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse, 2023. Image #2: Image Midori Yamazaki, Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse, 2023. Image #3: Image Midori Yamazaki, Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse, 2023. Image #4: Image Midori Yamazaki, Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse, 2023. Image #5: Image Midori Yamazaki, Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse, 2023.
Project Team Members: Midori Yamazaki
Project Name: Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse
Project Client: Out of Blue


Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse IMG #2
Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse IMG #3
Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse IMG #4
Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse IMG #5
Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant