Possible Bird

Possible Bird invites audiences to explore the subtle beauty that exists in everyday moments, unfolding within the bustling backdrop of Tokyo's Shiodome district. Captured through the lens of a stationary camera placed at various vantage points, the visual elements portray both the modernity of the city and the unspoken narratives of its inhabitants. These vignettes are reassembled into a triptych projection, further enriched by a multichannel auditory experience.

'The sonic landscape of the piece is crafted in collaboration with Hitomi Nakamura, who performs on the hichiriki—a traditional Japanese reed instrument with roots in Gagaku, the ancient imperial court music. In live performances of Possible Bird, Nakamura takes the stage to play the principal musical elements, adding an additional layer of immediacy to the work.

Together, the contemplative music and static visual framing create an atmosphere of anticipation. This suspended state makes room for the extraordinary to emerge from the ordinary: a train may suddenly materialize from behind a skyscraper, a pedestrian might drop a key, or a ribbon attached to a parked bicycle could flutter in the wind—all while shifting clouds alter the interplay of light and shadow on the ground. Through this artistic melding of sight and sound, Possible Bird opens a window into the poetic possibilities that lie hidden within the mundane.

In 2021, a 10-screen surround version of the work was created for the CineChamber.