#Japan #Tokyo #ICC #evala #Isao Tomita

Celebrating Innovation in Sound Art: evala's 'ebb tide'

The NTT InterCommunication Center (ICC) in Tokyo is set to host an exciting exhibition from December 2024, featuring a new installation titled 'ebb tide' by sound artist, evala. This installation has received the prestigious Isao Tomita Special Prize at the 2025 Ars Electronica Awards, recognized globally as one of the foremost competitions in media art. The prize celebrates artists who push the boundaries of sound and music, fostering innovation in the digital space.

About the Award

The Isao Tomita Special Prize was established in memory of the legendary Japanese composer Isao Tomita, who passed away in 2016. This accolade is awarded by the Tomita Information Hub in collaboration with Ars Electronica, honoring exceptional works in the realms of digital music and sound art. Evalas's recognition marks a significant achievement as he is the first Japanese artist to receive this honor since its inception, joining an elite group of artists recognized for their impactful contributions.

The award ceremony will take place during the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, set to commence on September 3, 2025. In celebration of the achievement, the ICC will re-display evala's previous works, 'The Fox With Big Ears' and 'Our Muse,' from August 8 to September 15, allowing art enthusiasts to delve deeper into evala's unique auditory world.

'ebb tide' Installation Details

The installation 'ebb tide' is characterized by its wave-like, acoustically designed structure composed of absorbent materials, inviting participants to engage with it actively. Located in the central exhibition space, visitors can climb this structure, allowing them to experience sound in an immersive and unconventional way. Evalas’s work revisits the themes from 'The Fox With Big Ears,' focusing on the personal environments and memories that shape sonic experiences.

Instead of presenting a narrative, 'ebb tide' creates an acoustic space where participants become part of the soundscape, prompting unique personal interpretations. With a title referencing the natural ebb and flow associated with human rhythms, the experience blurs the boundaries between life and death, drawing on myths that connect our biological rhythms with tidal movements. As listeners engage with the sound, they are metaphorically drawn into distant realms, akin to waves carrying them far away or standing vigil for those who have departed. Thus, the piece serves as a remembrance for those who passed, encapsulating the respect for the continuous cycle of life.

About evala

Evala is a pioneering sound artist and musician known for his unique approach to sound composition, which defies existing formats and frameworks. Since 2017, he has led the project 'See by Your Ears,' an initiative designed to awaken the latent potential of auditory experiences through immersive installations. Evalas has showcased works in a diverse array of settings from echo-free rooms to expansive gardens, blending sound with unique spatial experiences to critical acclaim.

His recent individual exhibition, 'evala emerging site disappearing sight,' spans across multiple sound installations within ICC, leveraging both the silent room and an extensive showcase area. The installations engage audiences through active listening, fostering a profound connection with sound.

Notable recent works include 'Alaya Crossing' (2022), which integrates the cultural heritage of historic sites, and the acoustic installation using Sony's wave synthesis technology debuted at SXSW 2018.

Recognizing Excellence in Sound Art

With the upcoming exhibitions showcasing evala’s remarkable installations, both visitors and sound art aficionados have a unique opportunity to engage with transformative auditory experiences. With an open invitation for exploration, this celebration of innovation in sound art reflects the profound connection between art and technology, and the potential for sound to evoke deep emotional responses.

Details of the exhibitions, including reservations and access, will be available on the ICC website closer to the date. The ICC, founded in 1997 as a cultural facility by NTT East Japan, continuously aims to fuse technology with artistic pursuits, encouraging new dialogues in the arts.