Step into the enchanting world of Yuma Yanagisawa, the brilliant mind behind the artwork collection, Dreamy Code. Launched this March, Dreamy Code invites us to immerse ourselves in a mesmerising exploration of fluid and organic movements brought to life through the power of algorithms. Yanagisawa's groundbreaking approach fuses generative AI, particle simulation, and ray tracing to craft extraordinary generative sculptures and paintings. In this exclusive interview, Yanagisawa takes us behind the scenes of his latest series, offering profound insights into his inspiration, the utilisation of code and 3D software, and his enduring fascination with nature as he continuously pushes the boundaries of visual art. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we unravel the artistic genius of Yuma Yanagisawa.

Sedition: Could you please tell us about the series you have recently launched on Sedition? What ideas did you intend to explore in this work?

Yuma Yanagisawa: My latest series, Dreamy Code continues to explore generative visuals using 3D software and code. I wanted to create organic as well as smooth movements to let the viewer meditate or in some sense heal themself. In addition, I wanted to create artworks suitable for installations at home. In other words, I wanted to create pieces that you can watch on a digital canvas for hours without being interrupted. I wanted to create works that merge well into a room, making a digital canvas in a house as natural as possible.

Sedition: How is it connected with the Creative Code; your first collection launched on Sedition?

YY: It is connected both aesthetically and technically. I tried to reinterpret the beauty of nature using code and 3D software in the Creative Code collection. I continue to explore generative visuals inspired by nature using algorithms. This approach can be seen, for example, in Reverie: Flowers–it depicts flowers generated by AI.

A still from Creative Code - Nature by Yuma Yanagisawa 

Sedition: Is there any recurring theme/question in your practice?

YY: My recurring theme is to explore generative visuals inspired by nature. I explore colour, shape, and motion inspired by nature. I don’t only mean creating artworks using motifs such as flowers or trees, but it could also mean that I extract the essence of it. For example, Blob is a work inspired by various fluids found in nature. In addition, Looking at nature from a scientific point of view is a great way to find beautiful natural phenomena, I think.

A still from Blob by Yuma Yanagisawa 

Sedition: Code is a vital part of your work, when/how did you first start working with data? What kind of data do you repurpose?

YY: Before starting animation/moving image works, I realised a lot of interactive art installation projects as a freelancer. For example, it is an interactive installation, where the viewer can generate particles based on their hand movement. It could be said that the position of their hand is data that plays an integral part in order to complete the artwork. Besides, I created a data sculpture using population data when I took part in an artist residency in Jerusalem in 2018. So I’ve been working with data for many years. For the past few years, I’ve focused on image data but would like to incorporate other types too, such as numerical data.

Sedition: Are there any specific works or subjects which you see as reference points aesthetically or conceptually?

YY: I think I like checking out beautiful 3D artworks on social media. Especially the ones involving simulations. Besides, I find impressionist paintings really interesting, they are great examples to investigate vibrant colours. Also, I recently visited Barcelona and was quite impressed with Gaudi’s architecture. I was surprised since his buildings reminded me of my pieces, such as Blob, and Bloom. I feel I would like to keep referring to masterpieces along with trendy works.

A still from Reverie: Flowers (Landscape) by Yuma Yanagisawa 

Sedition: Your work has been presented at various festivals and galleries. What are the most memorable projects/exhibitions or festivals that you regard as milestones in your artistic journey?

YY: Recently my work was featured at Blackdove Istanbul this January. For the past few years, my work has been shown in many countries, but Istanbul’s exhibition was the first one that I managed to visit in person as far as I remember. Seeing my work on a number of large displays for the first time was quite something for me.

Sedition: How do you envisage the future of art in the digital realm?

YY: Right now, there is a strong interest in AI-generated images. Although so-called AI art has brought up a lot of problems, notably copyright infringement, I think more artists will incorporate AI into their practices in the future. Also, at the moment, not so many people hang digital artworks in their homes, but, it will be more common for people to have their own displays dedicated to showcasing moving image pieces.

Sedition: Could you tell us about your future projects? Are there any exhibition/s/projects that you’re excited about this year?

YY: I would like to continue to explore code as a medium. Also, I would like to explore the beauty of nature as my recurring theme. In September, my work will be exhibited at Ars Electronica Festival. There are a few more under discussion. Feel free to check out my social media for updates.

Top Image: A still from AI Landscapes by Yuma Yanagisawa