Witness the Fusion: Where Innovation Meets Nature's Unpredictable Beauty
"Existence Itself Becomes the Material": A.A.Murakami on SYMBIOSIS
During the debut of their BMW-commissioned installation, SYMBIOSIS, at Art Basel 2026, A.A.Murakami shared insights into their artistic philosophy. The duo articulated that their work transcends conventional materials, aiming to transform the very fabric of existence into their medium. This approach explores the liminal space between the artificial and the natural, focusing on engineered systems that initiate processes like bubble formation, light displays, and mist generation, which then evolve independently, driven by natural forces.
The Uncontrolled Beauty of Natural Phenomena in Engineered Systems
Azusa Murakami further elaborated on their artistic process, emphasizing the blend of custom technology with inherently uncontrollable natural phenomena. They design precise systems that ultimately yield to the unpredictable dynamics of nature. Once a bubble forms, its trajectory is shaped by gravity and airflow, illustrating a fundamental relinquishing of control to physical forces. This highlights a core theme in their work: the harmonious yet unpredictable interaction between human innovation and the organic world.
BMW's Enduring Commitment to Artistic Collaboration at Art Basel
This year's partnership marks a continuation of BMW's esteemed tradition of collaborating with renowned artists, following successful ventures with Es Devlin in 2024 and Alvaro Barrington in 2025. Alexander Groves noted that BMW's invitation to explore the theme of symbiosis deeply resonated with their artistic practice, which frequently examines how technology and natural forces converge to create unique and profound experiences for the audience.
SYMBIOSIS: An Exploration of Existence as Dynamic Material
Open until June 21st, 2026, at Art Basel's Hall 1, the multisensory installation SYMBIOSIS translates BMW's innovative Symbiotic Drive technology of the Neue Klasse into a tangible, ephemeral experience. A.A.Murakami's consistent inquiry into the point where human influence recedes and nature assumes command is central to this piece.
A Continuous Dialogue Between Engineered Design and Natural Evolution
The London and Tokyo-based artist duo fosters an ongoing conversation between meticulously engineered systems and the ceaseless evolution of nature within SYMBIOSIS. Here, sculptural forms gracefully coexist with fleeting phenomena, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.
Bubbles as Symbols of Life's Ephemeral Nature
Alexander Groves elucidated their perspective on the bubbles within the installation, describing them as almost sentient entities. He noted the scientific challenge in defining life, yet highlighted the theory that early life emerged within fatty oceanic bubbles, eventually evolving into complex cellular structures. For A.A.Murakami, these bubbles serve as a poignant memento mori, embodying both the exquisite beauty and the inherent transience of life itself.
"Ephemeral Tech": The Art of Vanishing Presence
In their distinctive "ephemeral tech" artworks, whether manifested through fog rings, bubbles, or plasma, the very act of existence becomes the primary artistic medium. Drawing parallels with the Light and Space movement, which utilized light as its core material, A.A.Murakami employs existence itself. Their creations materialize seemingly from thin air, only to dissipate back into it, offering a profound commentary on impermanence and presence.
Where Precision Engineering Embraces Natural Coexistence
SYMBIOSIS, at its core, explores the delicate boundary separating the artificial from the natural. It employs specially designed machinery to generate light, mist, and mist-filled bubbles, whose subsequent development is entirely governed by natural forces, showcasing a fascinating interplay.
The Transformation of Digital Information into Ephemeral Reality
The artists expressed their fascination with the transition from the digital realm to physical impermanence. They observed how mist-filled bubbles emerge from the sculpture, propelled by underlying technology, then gracefully slide down its surface. This process vividly illustrates how digital information can be transmuted into a fleeting, tangible form, subjected to the immutable laws of gravity and intermolecular forces.
Harmony of Technology and Emotion: The BMW M760e xDrive Integration
The installation is centered around the new BMW M760e xDrive, a vehicle celebrated for its monolithic design that strips every element down to its fundamental essence. The car and the installation collectively achieve a striking equilibrium between sophisticated engineered technology and an evocative, emotional outcome.
Showcasing the Precision Behind the Art: A Nod to BMW's Engineering Excellence
In a tribute to BMW's renowned precision engineering, A.A.Murakami made the deliberate decision to also reveal the intricate technology powering their installation. By highlighting their own engineering prowess, they added an extra layer of depth and understanding to the artwork, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship inherent in both the automotive and artistic domains.