Simon LAROCHE

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Simon LAROCHE

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Creators from abroad)
Activity Base	Montreal
City / Place stayed	Tokyo
Period	2025.5 - 2025.7

Purpose of the residency

Looking at animals as commodified bodies in the context of late capitalism, I wish to pursue my ongoing artistic research at the intersection of art, technology and robotics. My goal is to conceptualize and advance the development of a new series of artworks that involve hybrids of animal and human representations, using sculpture, media and robotics. Drawing from chimeras in japanese folklore, animism and shinto, I will develop a concept around the themes of “otherness”, broach ideas of digital intertwining and contemporary surrealism.

Plan during the residency

• research and develop the theme; visit robot labs, cafés, hotel; attend the world expo in Osaka and visit the Future of Life pavilion (prof. Hiroshi Ishiguro)
  
• establish connections with Japanese designers, artists and university affiliates working in art, design and technology.
• identify local maker spaces or digital fabrication labs to have access to additional resources if needed and mingle with the local community.
• take butoh classes and engage in discussion/reflections on the animation of the body;
  
• spend a large amount of time refining the aesthetic and design of the project through an iterative process.
• build at least one prototype.

Creator Information