Memory of the Sea: Kikaijima – The Coral Ark

Artist: The SceNE project

Kikai Island—a miraculous land formed by the uplift of coral reefs. Coral fossils hold the memory of Earth’s environmental changes. This sound and visual installation features Toni/Humura, a traditional potato-washing basin carved from a massive coral stone on Kikai Island, alongside layers of coral stones collected from every village. The installation connects the “now” of Kikai Island to the venue through real-time audio and video, creating an immersive space where visitors can experience the island’s breath of life. By scanning a QR code with their smartphones, visitors can access live footage of the island and visually track real-time changes in seawater temperature, as well as its historical fluctuations. Through the combined experience of touch, sound, and sight, this project aims to bring awareness to climate change and environmental issues, fostering a sense of connection between the local community and the wider world.