Anemone Installation

Anemone is an art/architectural installation in Taipei by Oyler Wu Collaborative aimed at weaving together aesthetic experience and tactile engagement, a combination generally considered off limits within the world of contemporary art. All too often, art installations are considered precious, almost sacred objects; while they are meant to be appreciated for their aesthetic beauty, they offer little in terms of human interaction. In other words, they are meant to be seen, not felt. Recognizing that human engagement is one of the key factors in creating a rich experience, Anemone has been designed with the idea of interaction as one of its key design objectives.

Upon first glance, the piece is meant to be viewed as a relatively simple, elegant object, with subtle undulations that wrap its walls and smooth bent corners. Given a closer look, however, one discovers that, like the bristling tentacles of its namesake, the sea anemone, the surface is actually a build-up of thousands of transparent flexible rods. Each of the rods is inserted to gradually changing depths, creating the undulating effect. This undulation is meant to evoke a sense of curiosity about its construction, use, tactility, and materially, encouraging different forms of interaction. Elements are designed with that interaction in mind, incorporating a simple wall that might be brushed, and benches used for seating. At the center of the installation is a table/bed like element that sits below a cantilevered canopy of bristles.