In a fascinating interplay between nature and technology, artist duo A.A. Murakami presents “A Thousand Layers of Stomach,” a project that converges the organic beauty of clam shells with cutting-edge generative textile design. Presented at Art Blocks Weekend in Marfa, Texas, this installation uniquely illustrates their concept of “ephemeral tech,” a departure from conventional digital art forms. The project bridges the ancient evolutionary processes of marine life with modern technological innovation, offering an immersive exploration into nature-driven design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Artists: A.A. Murakami
Location: Marfa, Texas
Installation: A Thousand Layers of Stomach
Events: Art Blocks Weekend
Technology: Generative Textile Design
At the core of this groundbreaking work lies the Asari clam, a creature with intricate shell patterns, serving as a muse for A.A. Murakami. Historically rich and biologically fascinating, the clam’s shell builds up in layers over time, offering a poignant reflection of life’s passage. This biological marvel was translated into a generative code that runs a custom knitting machine, likened to a biological 3D printer. The result is a textile artwork that mirrors the clam’s methodical growth, as the knitting machine creates hundreds of unique textile patterns.
Much of the intrigue of “A Thousand Layers of Stomach” stems from what A.A. Murakami calls “ephemeral tech.” This novel concept sees technology manifesting in tangible forms, rather than traditional screens or projections. Similar to a clam’s development, the artistic code they devised enacts a physical transformation, with the knitted textiles emerging as substantial forms. This process draws from their broader body of work that experiments with fleeting states of matter like bubbles and fog, showcasing technology’s capacity to interact directly with the physical world.
The choice of a knitting machine is critical to the project’s success and global outreach. Mimicking the clam’s line-by-line creation, the knitting machine allows for lightweight, portable, and fast production, perfect for international exhibitions. As the project travels from Marfa to locations including Hong Kong and London, each machine will function like an autonomous clam, generating distinctive patterns that will never replicate. The environmental influence is evident, as filming on the Pearl River Delta highlights the tension and harmony between urban landscapes and the primal wetlands.
Connecting to broader themes in their work, the project is intertwined with the natural majesty and quirks of Hong Kong’s seafood culture. This includes translating everyday elements like neon restaurant signs into immersive art experiences. The generative shell patterns serve as an extension of these thematic explorations, reflecting on the transformative potential of seemingly humble materials. Throughout, A.A. Murakami celebrates the visceral and the sublime within the environment, challenging viewers to find cosmic wonder in the mundane.
Launching this sea-inspired installation in the dry desert of Marfa amplifies its thematic contrasts. The interaction between the installation and visitors enhances the dynamic qualities of the work, as attendees manipulate shell pattern projections in real-time. Anticipated to grow into a massive textile work as it tours, the project continues to experiment with ephemeral technology. It underscores A.A. Murakami’s vision of advancing the boundaries of art where nature, innovation, and the inherent beauty of life converge.
