We filmed the starry sky using a special device at Wanda Farm, which is run by Ibigawa Town, Gifu. Even though the facility is only about an hour’s cycle away from the town center, you can see a beautiful starlit sky thanks to the mountainous terrain that shuts out light pollution (i.e., light from the town). This environment inspired us to create Thales’ Engraving. What is more, that we were able to stay at (cooperation with) Wanda Farm to create the work over a long period of time is important, as well as being significant as an antithesis to urban life. Whereas regular filming is performed instantaneously from a fixed point, the production of Thales’ Engraving involved constant movement and was carried out over a long period of time while taking into account the weather and other conditions. This gave the work an element of interactive art that is characterized by dynamic change and responsive, improvised expression, which is a characteristic that modern society places much importance on. With this perspective in mind, we focused on creating a work capable of enduring display in an exhibition.

We evaluated a variety of output methods for the photo panels to be installed in the exhibition venue, as well as developing a display arrangement that would allow effective combination of the still and moving images. We utilized IAMAS equipment (e.g., large-size printer, UV printer, projector) in the preparation process, and were able to make reliable progress thanks to the cooperation of knowledgeable staff. We carried out a trial installation of the work in spaces (e.g., gallery, hall) similar to the actual exhibition venue, which helped us sophisticate the display arrangement.