synaptic animism

How can multisensory, robotic interfaces amplify the spirituality and vitality of Southeast Asian cultures?

Synaptic Animism delves into the emotional and sensory potential of human-machine collaboration, transforming the sacred vitality of Bali’s forests into immersive digital ecosystems. Drawing inspiration from Balinese animistic traditions—where every natural element is believed to hold spiritual energy—this project reimagines 3D-scanned plants from Nuanu City as rhythmic, pulsating digital forms. These point clouds, animated in TouchDesigner, respond to music by local artist Sabdairama, creating an interplay of light, motion, and sound that reflects the spiritual heartbeat of Bali’s landscapes.

By merging the organic with the digital, Synaptic Animism honors the animistic belief in nature’s living spirit while speculating on a future where adaptive systems evoke empathy and emotional resonance.

Exhibited at Labyrinth Studio Bali’s TouchDesigner showcase in March 2024, Synaptic Animism invites participants to step into a shared sensorial space.