Mariko Mori, a Japanese artist known for her exploration of existential and cosmic themes, has created a body of work spanning more than four decades that encourages viewers to deeply engage with the vastness of human existence. Her practice encompasses a variety of media, including photography, immersive installations, and sculptural forms, all designed to provoke contemplation on the interconnectedness of the universe.

At 59 years old, Mori divides her time among residences in Tokyo, a remote island home on Miyakojima located 180 miles southwest of Okinawa’s capital, and a distinctive Art Deco building on Central Park West in New York City. It was in her New York apartment that she discussed one of her most notable projects, “Wave UFO” (1999-2002). This 37-foot-long installation resembles a cocoon-like pod made from opalescent fiberglass, capable of seating three individuals. Within the installation, sensors monitor the brain waves of participants and convert these signals into dynamic swirls of color displayed on a screen positioned above them.

“Wave UFO” exemplifies Mori’s ongoing interest in utilizing technology both as a medium for communication and as a way to heighten awareness of human consciousness. Since the 1990s, she has frequently addressed how technological advancements can simultaneously alienate individuals from their own selves while offering innovative methods for connection and expression.

The piece is slated to be part of a comprehensive retrospective of Mori’s career at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, opening next month. This exhibition will highlight the many facets of her work and underscore her commitment to visualizing the relationships between humans, technology, and the cosmos. Through her art, Mori invites audiences to reconsider the boundaries between physical reality and spiritual experience in an increasingly digitized world.