HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf is an ambitious, interdisciplinary project that combines art, technology, and environmental awareness to shed light on the intricate relationship between nature and climate change. This initiative is designed to create an immersive aesthetic experience and inspire dialogue about environmental responsibility.
At the heart of this project are unique wireless body-pack sculptures and sound instruments, each meticulously crafted to interact with trees in an innovative way. These instruments are equipped with advanced sensors that measure the responses of tree leaves to atmospheric changes, transforming this data into a unique acoustic output. The generated sounds then form the basis for international exhibitions and a series of ongoing performances, intended to captivate audiences across diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.
Under the leadership of Reiko and Tim, the project boasts a multi-talented team of artists, musicians, hardware and software designers, and an electrical engineer. As the project progresses, we aim to collaborate with a musician/composer, a theater director, and a new music curator to enhance the performative aspects of the instruments.
Initially, HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf will be introduced to urban and rural community groups and venues in Scotland and England for testing and feedback. Following this, it’s set to premiere at an international festival in Germany in summer. The project will also work towards producing a unique LP from initial sound recordings.
C + G Studio brings a wealth of experience to this initiative, having successfully delivered numerous interdisciplinary arts-led research projects. We hold a steadfast commitment to public engagement, diversity, inclusion, sustainable development, and fair work practices. To this end, we adhere to Scottish Artist Union and Musician Union pay rates for all team members.
As we embark on this exciting project, we are thrilled with its promising momentum and eager to share more updates soon.
Ongoing updates below:
MuseumsQuartier Residency: Art & Ecology in Vienna
Tim Collins and Reiko Goto spent two months of Spring 2024 at the Museums Quartier as Art & Ecology artists-in-residence. This video documents their experimental fieldwork with HAKOTO, a sensory instrument translating tree biochemical responses into sound, exploring the intricate dialogue between trees and their environment through light, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. May–June 2024…
Reiko Goto talking to Dave Spence about “Hakoto Portach Bog”
This is an overview and interview with Reiko and Dave talking about the intentions, process, and methods behind the development of “HAKOTO: portach / bog: A sense of otherness in the creative process.” The Exhibition was curated by Dr Sean O’Reilly. It was the outcome of a year long landscape, ecology and environment residency at…
2024 Creative Endeavors
Collins + Goto Studio continue their exploration of ecological interconnections through HAKOTO, a body-instrument that translates photosynthesis and transpiration into sound, highlighting our shared atmospheric condition with trees. In 2024, their work will be featured in several key exhibitions and performances: April 18 – May 8: Performances at Ccckpit Festival, Düsseldorf and Köln. May 1,…