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Tokyo Observation

Manae Shimizu

"Tokyo Observation," a solo exhibition by Aie Shimizu, will be held at CONTRAST from Thursday, February 19, to Tuesday, February 24. This exhibition focuses on the Tokyo Observation series, which the artist has been developing since 2019. Living on the western side of Tokyo while holding a strong interest and sense of admiration for the city center, Shimizu observes various districts of central Tokyo, extracts their distinctive characteristics, and translates them into artworks. In this series, the artist selects neighborhoods of personal interest from among Tokyo’s many districts and creates individual works for each location. The exhibition will feature four works in total: Tokyo Observation – AKIHABARA – and Tokyo Observation – SHIBUYA –, both produced in 2019, along with two new works, Tokyo Observation – SHIBUYA II – and Tokyo Observation: Extra Edition – May the City Rest in Peace. — Date: 2/19 (Thu) – 2/24 (Tue) Time: 12:00 – 18:00 (until 15:00 on the final day) Venue: CONTRAST Entrance: Free Support: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, FY2025 Media Arts Creator Development Support Program

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CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE

  • DIG SHIBUYA
  • Marco Barotti

CONTRAST is pleased to present “CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE,” a solo exhibition by Berlin-based media artist Marco Barotti, held from February 13 (Fri) to February 15 (Sun), 2026, as part of DIG SHIBUYA 2026, a festival exploring contemporary culture at the intersection of art and technology. “CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE” is an ongoing art and technology project exploring how sound can support coral reef ecosystems. In response to the accelerating loss of coral reefs caused by climate change and human activity, the project is inspired by research showing that healthy coral reefs emit underwater soundscapes that attract fish and marine life. Through diving expeditions in locations such as the Maldives and Jamaica, Barotti recorded the sound environments of thriving coral reefs. These recordings are played through underwater speakers embedded in sculptural forms and installed in reef areas affected by coral bleaching, investigating sound as a tool for encouraging marine life to return. The sound sculptures are 3D-printed based on the forms of bleached corals and produced using materials suitable for the environment. Powered by solar energy, the installations are designed to operate continuously. At CONTRAST, the project is presented as a video work combining underwater footage, animation, and AI-generated imagery, inviting reflection on the future of the oceans. In addition, on February 14 (Sat) at 24:00, the video work will be screened as part of “Shibuya Crossing Night Art,” across four large-scale LED screens surrounding Shibuya Scramble Crossing. ー Marco Barotti “CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE” Date: 2/13(Fri) - 2/15(Sun) Time: 12:00 - 19:00 Venue: CONTRAST Entrance: Free ー Shibuya Crossing Night Art Date: 2/14(Sat) Time: 24:00 - 24:15/ 24:30 - 24:45 Venue: Shibuya Scramble Crossing — Date: 2/13(Fri) - 2/15(Sun) Venue: Shibuya Koen-dori area and other locations Organized by: SHIBUYA CREATIVE TECH Committee / Japan Arts Council / Agency for Cultural Affairs Co-organized by: Shibuya City Supported by: Shibuya Tourism Association / Future Design Shibuya Commissioned by: JAPAN CULTURAL EXPO 2.0 (FY2025, commissioned project)

DIG SHIBUYA

An event designed to showcase Shibuya's facilities as world-class cultural assets, offering opportunities for more people to experience their charm through the fusion of technology and art in the latest cultural trends.

Marco Barotti

A media artist whose practice merges sound and visual art. After studying music at the Siena Jazz Academy, he began creating work that connects sonic expression with visual forms. His artistic approach is driven by an ongoing search for a unique language capable of evoking an imagined post-Futurist era. His sound-driven kinetic installations unfold within natural environments and urban spaces, forming sound-activated sculptures made from audio technologies, consumer goods, and discarded materials. At the core of his work lies the creation of a “tech ecosystem” reminiscent of the morphology of plants and animals—metaphorical structures that symbolically reflect the impact of human activity on the planet. Through these pieces, he seeks to prompt viewers to reflect on environmental and social issues by merging artistic expression with critical messaging. He has received several international awards, including the NTU Global Digital Art Prize (Clams), the Tesla Award (Swans), and the Delux Colour Award (Sound of Light). His works have been exhibited at major international venues such as the Gwangju Biennale (Gwangju), Ars Electronica (Linz), Saatchi Gallery (London), Science Gallery (Melbourne), New Media Gallery (Vancouver), Futurium (Berlin), and FACT (Liverpool). He has also been supported by programs such as S+T+ARTS and EMAP, and has participated in residencies including Science Gallery Berlin / BIFOLD (2023), the Zer01ne Creators Project (2022), and WRO Art Center (2019).

About CONTRAST
In 2022, CONTRAST opened as a creative space in Yoyogi-Hachiman, Tokyo. The interior, based on a 45-year-old structure, consists of three floors under the concept of "reconstruction," and is managed by IN FOCUS, a digital branding studio that operates under the theme of "We propose new perspectives through a collective pursuit of digital excellence.". The space not only serves as its own creative space but also aims to be widely open to the public, providing a space for continuous and experimental reconstruction by its users, breaking free from limitations. Focusing on various forms of expression and encountering the creators who produce them, we will come to understand the importance of "CONTRAST = comparison" in our endeavors. Operated by IN FOCUS.In 2022, CONTRAST opened as a creative space in Yoyogi-Hachiman, Tokyo. The interior, based on a 45-year-old structure, consists of three floors under the concept of "reconstruction," and is managed by IN FOCUS, a digital branding studio that operates under the theme of "We propose new perspectives through a collective pursuit of digital excellence.". The space not only serves as its own creative space but also aims to be widely open to the public, providing a space for continuous and experimental reconstruction by its users, breaking free from limitations. Focusing on various forms of expression and encountering the creators who produce them, we will come to understand the importance of "CONTRAST = comparison" in our endeavors. Operated by IN FOCUS.

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