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Shipwrecks and Deep Ocean Scenes Encapsulated Inside Translucent Whale Sculptures

Image provided by Isana Yamada

Image provided by Isana Yamada

Japanese artist Isana Yamada’ s project Samsara is composed of six translucent whales mounted on thin pedestals that give each of the sculptures an illusion of movement. The whales, illuminated from within, provide a window to strange worlds locked inside their resin-coated bodies: churning submarine volcanoes, fluffy white clouds, and even polar bear skeletons that float within. The project, staged at Tokyo University of the Arts, references the circle of existence found in Buddhist traditions with each whale displaying a separate scene. The whale that represents the human dimension contains a sunken sailboat, imagery that symbolizes a difficult voyage or plight.

Yamada’s work will also be shown in an exhibition of sculptural works at the Artcomplex Center of Tokyo from March 1st through 6th. You can see more of his work on his Facebook page here. (via My Modern Met)

Images by @muzintansaki

Image provided by Isana Yamada

Image provided by Isana Yamada

Image provided by Isana Yamada