Watage: An Ethereal Dance of Dandelion Puffs

Arisa Nakayama's Award-Winning Interactive Installation

The inspiration for Watage stemmed from Nakayama's fascination with the serene existence of plants in our fast-paced world. She sought to create a form of expression that was not reliant on modern technology, but rather on the cultivation of our perception of subtle stimuli. Watage, therefore, visualizes the otherwise imperceptible motion of air, reacting to the breath or movement of passersby. This simple visual feedback encourages viewers to perceive their own existence with renewed clarity.

Watage is created using dandelion puffs, connected and shaped with a small amount of glue. The artwork comes to life when a person passes by, their movement creating a faint motion that breathes life into the work. This process visualizes the motion of air otherwise unnoticed. When dipped into water, the dandelion fluff transforms, evolving into unique shapes as it dries out. This transformation is another key theme of Watage.

The Watage project began in May 2016 in Tokyo, while Nakayama was still a student at Tama Art University. The works that are part of this project have been shown at several venues in Tokyo, including galleries in the Omotesando and Shibuya districts, and in the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation). The project is still ongoing.

One of the challenges Nakayama faced was creating an interactive experience without the use of electricity. However, she found that the simple experience of interacting with an inanimate object without any electric devices could have a profound impact on the human mind. By visualizing the faint flow of air, Watage functions as an interactive mechanism, transforming the entire exhibition space into a piece of art.

Watage is not just a small craft object; it is a testament to Nakayama's belief in the value of aspects of our world that are unrelated to technological progress. It is a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the most subtle and delicate aspects of our environment. This is the message that Nakayama strives to convey through her work.

In recognition of its originality and impact, Watage was awarded the Golden A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.