"SELFVERSE": A Journey of Creative Expansion and Exploration by Japanese artist Yuiko Ráyka Celebrating self-expansion and oneness through the pure joy of creative expression Overview: "SELFVERSE" is an extraordinary viewer-participatory light installation that invites you on a journey of creative expansion and exploration. Born from the artist's playful wish to share the joy of expanding oneself through creativity, this work defies traditional boundaries, requiring no programming or digital equipment. Participants engage by shining flashlights on light-reflecting materials, creating an infinite universe with the reflections generated. A History of Innovation: Since its debut at Gallery G-77 in 2021, "SELFVERSE" has consistently pushed creative boundaries. Noteworthy instances include transforming a traditional Noh theater in Kyoto into a mesmerizing light universe and captivating audiences at CONTEXT Art Miami in 2022. This work delivers the joy of self-expansion and a sense of oneness with self and others. Special Features: As the "SELFVERSE" project evolves, new devices enrich the visitor experience. One notable addition is a floating object that hovers gracefully with magnetic force, transporting visitors to a near-future where futuristic technology blurs the line between present and a tantalizing vision of the future. This commitment to innovation ensures a fresh and exhilarating experience, attracting both first-timers and repeat visitors alike. Immersive Experience: Discovering a Secret Amusement Park of Light Upon entering the dimly lit exhibition space of "SELFVERSE," participants are greeted by randomly arranged pedestals adorned with captivating objects made of light-reflecting materials. Mirror balls, holographic sheets, acrylic crystals, and aurora films adorn each pedestal, creating a mysterious spectacle reminiscent of a secret amusement park. Rayka's immersive installations, filled with mirrors and endless reflections, create a sense of infinite space that challenges our perception of reality. The recurrence of diverse patterns and forms within these installations can be interpreted as a metaphor for the absence of a fixed, singular reality. As participants engage with objects in various shapes and forms, they contribute to the continuous creation of unique reflections, further enhancing the immersive experience. Participants, armed with flashlights, interact with these objects, projecting illusionary reflections onto surrounding walls. The beauty of the scene unfolds magically as participants engage with individual reflective materials scattered on the pedestals and the rug that adorns the floor. Encouraged to pick them up, rearrange, and create their own light-reflecting objects, participants modulate the intensity, speed, and direction of their light, transforming the installation into a vibrant, living canvas. Self-expansion and Collective Engagement: Fostering Communal Playgrounds of Creativity "SELFVERSE" provides a communal playground for self-exploration and collective engagement. While encouraging inner self-expansion, it unites participants in collaborative efforts to integrate each individual's 'SELFVERSE.' As light becomes the medium for shared joy and co-creation, an infinite universe naturally takes shape. This playful, communal experience gently erases boundaries between self and others, fostering empathy and relationships, uniting participants as a harmonious whole. "SELFVERSE" is an immersive world where participants unleash their inner creators.