生花 Ikebana - 2023

Matthew Nazarian & Yu-Shien Yang

Ikebana is a kinetic bonsai sculpture moves its branches in response to light stimuli and physical touch that focuses on the process of turning abstract, ephemeral concepts into interactive material objects. Through an investigation of physical computing, digital fabrication, and artificial life, we created an interactive object that expresses the verb 'to tighten' – one of the 108 actions from Richard Serra’s 1967 work Verb List. This project explores how digital and material computation can work together to create engaging interactions, giving the piece a distinct personality.

Ikebana responds dynamically to its environment, moving its branches in reaction to light stimuli and physical touch. Designed to bridge organic motion with digital interactivity, the sculpture is controlled by an Arduino Nano 33 IoT, standard servo motors, and LDR photoresistors, allowing it to sense and adapt to changes in its surroundings. Constructed from aluminum wire, acrylic, and vinyl, Ikebana merges natural aesthetics with computational movement, creating an evolving interaction between observer and object.