IN FOCUS is pleased to present “CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE,” a solo exhibition by Berlin-based media artist Marco Barotti, held from February 13 (Fri) to February 15 (Sun) at our creative studio “CONTRAST,” as part of DIG SHIBUYA 2026, a festival exploring contemporary culture at the intersection of art and technology.
“CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE” is an ongoing art and technology project exploring how sound can support coral reef ecosystems. In response to the accelerating loss of coral reefs caused by climate change and human activity, the project is inspired by research showing that healthy coral reefs emit underwater soundscapes that attract fish and marine life.
Through diving expeditions in locations such as the Maldives and Jamaica, Barotti recorded the sound environments of thriving coral reefs. These recordings are played through underwater speakers embedded in sculptural forms and installed in reef areas affected by coral bleaching, investigating sound as a tool for encouraging marine life to return.
The sound sculptures are 3D-printed based on the forms of bleached corals and produced using materials suitable for the environment. Powered by solar energy, the installations are designed to operate continuously.
At CONTRAST, the project is presented as a video work combining underwater footage, animation, and AI-generated imagery, inviting reflection on the future of the oceans.
In addition, on February 14 (Sat) at 24:00, the video work will be screened as part of “Shibuya Crossing Night Art,” across four large-scale LED screens surrounding Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
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Marco Barotti
A media artist whose practice merges sound and visual art. After studying music at the Siena Jazz Academy, he began creating work that connects sonic expression with visual forms. His artistic approach is driven by an ongoing search for a unique language capable of evoking an imagined post-Futurist era.
His sound-driven kinetic installations unfold within natural environments and urban spaces, forming sound-activated sculptures made from audio technologies, consumer goods, and discarded materials. At the core of his work lies the creation of a “tech ecosystem” reminiscent of the morphology of plants and animals—metaphorical structures that symbolically reflect the impact of human activity on the planet. Through these pieces, he seeks to prompt viewers to reflect on environmental and social issues by merging artistic expression with critical messaging.
He has received several international awards, including the NTU Global Digital Art Prize (Clams), the Tesla Award (Swans), and the Delux Colour Award (Sound of Light). His works have been exhibited at major international venues such as the Gwangju Biennale (Gwangju), Ars Electronica (Linz), Saatchi Gallery (London), Science Gallery (Melbourne), New Media Gallery (Vancouver), Futurium (Berlin), and FACT (Liverpool).
He has also been supported by programs such as S+T+ARTS and EMAP, and has participated in residencies including Science Gallery Berlin / BIFOLD (2023), the Zer01ne Creators Project (2022), and WRO Art Center (2019).
https://www.instagram.com/marcobarotti/
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CORAL SONIC RESILIENCE
Date: 2/13(Fri) – 2/15(Sun)
Time: 12:00 – 19:00
Entrance: Free
Venue: CONTRAST
Address: 1-49-4-1F & B1F Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line “Yoyogi Park” Exit 1, 1 min walk
Odakyu Odawara Line “Yoyogi Hachiman” Exit South, 2 min walk
HP : https://contrast-tokyo.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/contrast_tokyo/
X : https://x.com/contrast_tokyo
E-mail : info@contrast-tokyo.com
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Shibuya Crossing Night Art
Date: 2/14(Sat)
Time: 24:00 – 24:15/ 24:30 – 24:45
Venue: Shibuya Scramble Crossing
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DIG SHIBUYA 2026
Date: 2/13(Fri) – 2/15(Sun)
Venue: Shibuya Koen-dori area and other locations
Organized by: SHIBUYA CREATIVE TECH Committee / Japan Arts Council / Agency for Cultural Affairs
Co-organized by: Shibuya City
Supported by: Shibuya Tourism Association / Future Design Shibuya
Commissioned by: JAPAN CULTURAL EXPO 2.0 (FY2025, commissioned project)