The multimedia exhibition DNA of a Nation by Ryoji Ikeda is now open at the Estonian National Museum (Muuseumi tee 2, Tartu, Estonia) and will run until 2 March 2025.
As part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program, one of Japan’s most renowned artists, Ryoji Ikeda, has opened a unique audiovisual solo exhibition dedicated to Estonians at the Estonian National Museum (ENM). The exhibition features two new works created specifically for the ENM space, exploring the synergy between art, music, and science.
The pieces, developed in collaboration with the University of Tartu’s Institute of Genomics and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, examine the relationship between human DNA data and soundscapes, creating a unique intersection of Estonian science and cultural heritage. “Ryoji Ikeda is known for his large-scale spatial installations often based on scientific data,” explained the exhibition’s curator, Kati Torp. “His ability to blend art with scientific concepts in a visually compelling and meticulous manner is truly remarkable.”
The exhibition opened with an artist talk where Ryoji Ikeda shared his thoughts on the process of creating the work,“through my art, people can find their own answers, and there is no single correct answer. Every person and visitor who views my works finds their own answers. My work makes up only 50 percent; the other 50 percent is created by the audience – art is a dialogue between me and the viewer, allowing them to experience something personal and unique,” said Ikeda.
“The genome data of Estonians has inspired an artwork where visitors walk through a stream of data that represents the history of Estonia. The closer you observe the data flow, the stronger the connection between the research, the collected and displayed themes, which are seen in all ENM exhibitions,” noted ENM director Kertu Saks.
Visitors can expect a multi-sensory experience that encompasses sight, sound, and thought. The combination of top-level data visualization, immersive soundscapes, and the physical presence of the space leaves a lasting impression on each attendee.
The exhibition features three main works:
1. “vox aeterna” (2024) — a sound installation whose interpretation in Latin means “Eternal Voice”. It consists of various human voices performed by the Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
2. “the critical paths” (2024) — a piece inspired by the research of the University of Tartu Institute of Genomics. It includes a flow of genetic data on LED screens where visitors can walk through the history of humanity.
3. “data-verse” (2019–2020) — Ikeda’s internationally acclaimed installation that offers new and creative ways to present data. The “data-verse” series highlights the vastness and complexity of data, transforming scientific and numerical concepts into artistic experiences. This piece has previously been exhibited at venues such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Shed Gallery in New York.
CREDITS
Exhibition team
Concept, composition: Ryoji Ikeda
Curator: Kati Torp, Artistic Director of Tartu 2024
Project Management: Hege-Lee Paiste, Tartu 2024; Laura Kipper, Estonian National Museum
Project Team
Ryoji Ikeda Studio: Ryoji Ikeda, Tomonaga Tokuyama, Emmanuelle de Montgazon, Reiko Kawakado, Satori Kita
Computer graphics, programming: Tomonaga Tokuyama
Estonian National Museum: Piret Simson, Aivi Jürgenson, Tiit Sibul, Taavi Toom, Liina Kuzemtšenko, Märt Puusta, Kaidi-Lisa Kivisalu, Laura Maria Meltsas, Tuuli Kaalep, Ivi Tammaru, Arvi Tragel, Oliver Kulpsoo, Merle Roomets, Kertu Saks
Tartu 2024 Foundation: Sille Talvet-Unt, Hanna Simona Allas, Priit Rand, Marili Vihmann, Armas Riives, Krõõt Filippov, Liisi Rohtung, Maanus Kullamaa, Toomas Peterson, Kaisa Hansson, Marcus Rauniste, Mona Menets, Kerli Peetsalu, Hele Priimets
Technical solutions in collaboration with Eidotech, Thierry Ollivier, Klaasmerk AS, Bart.ee OÜ; Eventech OÜ
Artistic Collaboration
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir: Esper Linnamägi, Tõnu Kaljuste, Mai Simson
University of Tartu Institute of Genomics: Kristiina Tambets, Alena Kushniarevich, Lehti Saag, Monika Karmin, Erik Abner
The exhibition is commissioned by European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 in collaboration with Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu and supported by the EU–Japan Fest.
