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:
LEER Exhibition Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Ireland
This exhibition highlights HAKOTO’s transformation to measure sphagnum moss’s photosynthesis on peat bogs, featuring video projections, Bog Lyric 2024, and immersive installations.
Glasgow International
Reiko’s garden performance with HAKOTO featured native and traditional fruit trees, paired with Wish Tree by Yoko Ono and Ecofeminism installation indoors.
MQ Vienna Residency and oak woods
We have been Artists in Residence at the Museum Quartier in Vienna, Austria during May and June, we began a new series of works with Hakoto and began to develop some new work around Oak Biodiversity. Below you can see a short video shot within the MQ compound. Following that, we spent some time with…