Keiken: Sensory Oversoul

In this North American debut, the exhibition Sensory Oversoul features two major installation works presented together for the first time. With Spirit Systems of Soft Knowing ༊·˚ (2024), you are invited to enter an immersive and participatory installation that explores empathetic connection with animals and nature. In a multi-sensory environment, you can lie down on a seed-pod shaped bed. A “haptic wearable womb” (an embodiment sound and touch-led technology developed and created by Keiken) will then be placed on your abdomen, becoming an artificial extension of your body. You will also receive headphones that are connected to the vibratory sensations of the womb, immersing you in sounds that shift between underwater mammals, sandstorms, and space. This six-minute experience seeks to tune you in to a non-verbal connection with different forms of existence that may not even be attainable on a verbal or intellectual level. In the adjacent room, Morphogenic Angels: Chapter 1 (2023) is an immersive video game installation with CGI film, presented in a landscape of black sand and dried flowers. Here, you are transported into an ambiguous future, the story follows Yaxu, a newly evolved Morphogenic Angel, who awakens in a speculative environment atop a snowy mountain. Players take on the role of Yaxu, who attempts to remember who they are as they navigate the world. Guided by Anamt’u’ul, a mysterious and spiritual companion, Yaxu is introduced to a mystical game designed to teach compassion and connection to the unseen. You may choose to play (one at a time), to relax and watch others play, or view the game be played out as a film. A further “worldbuilding” room offers insight into Keiken’s practice, the Morphogenic Angels characters, game engine information, and more, all within an otherworldly setting designed by the artists and inspired by the game.