Phone Buddha

Virtual installation on web
2022

☞ Experience it here

Not sure since when, we’ve been used to learning about the distant or close-by sufferings (Duḥkha) of other human beings through our phones. The term “doomscrolling” has been coined to describe this depressive yet addictive activity.

By positioning Buddha as the subject scrolling through world news, this installation contemplates on how we view and process the immense sufferings we frequently see on digital screens, and whether ancient philosophy can offer insights about our present day challenges, such as climate change, warfares and pandemics.

It can be experienced in both a gallery setting and a forest setting, as the work is conceptual and welcomes open interpretation when engaged in different contexts.

This work pays tribute to the legendary Nam June Paik.