‘eternal return’ conveys a immortal message to mankind to provoke a sense of obligation for the time being. The artwork has been articulated in a short film based on the actual installation artwork created by the author. The message is expressed by an artificial intelligence ape speaking out a verse of ‘superman (übermenschen)’ by Friedrich Nietzsche. This film version of the artwork has been on board NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-Rex (launched on September 8th, 2016), staying in empty space for millennia.

‘eternal return‘ はこの時代における私たち人類の行いを見つめ直し、自ら問うきっかけを与える目的で作ったインスタレーション・映像作品。人工知能として表現された「猿」が哲学者ニーチェの「超人」の一節を読み上げ、人間性無きシステムへの批判と警笛を鳴らす。この映像作品は2016年9月に発射されたNASAの宇宙船OSIRIS-RExに搭載され、半永久に宇宙空間を漂いながらメッセージを語り続ける。

—Detailed Synopsis—–

“eternal return / op.2 übermenschen” is a single-channel video artwork conveying an immortal message to mankind to provoke a sense of obligation for the time being.

The center of the work is an Ape avatar displayed on a refurbished CRT television, which recites verses from Nietzsche’s philosophical concept of the übermensch (superman). The surreal scene invites us to consider the enduring message of controversial philosophy combined with a familiar Primate.

By refurbishing, the rubbish returned to its life to be used for another purpose. The ape has been displayed on the TV using 3D animation techniques, allowing it to speak assigned verses freely. The artwork plots a question through an ape to gain thinking of our obligation as part of the whole.

The ironic tone of the work prompts us to reflect on the material and spiritual aspects of our lives. It encourages us to consider the dualities of devolution/evolution, beginning/end, and past/future to contemplate the multidimensional nature of our existence.

An ape, a symbol often associated with human intelligence and beliefs, adds layers of meaning to the piece. The artwork pays homage to historical figures such as Hanuman, Sarutahiko, and the Three Wise Monkeys, while tackling contemporary subjects through the thought-provoking dialogue.

‘eternal return’ gives us a moment to think over our behavior and the system that amplifies the endless ego. Through its references to the symbolism of the primates and controversial philosophy, the artwork critically examines the current sense of our responsibility in a time of rapidly shifting paradigms.

※The video data of this artwork has been on board NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-Rex (launched on September 8th, 2016), staying in empty space for millennia.