The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our mental health. Award-winning artist Lucas Zanotto perfectly captures the ups and downs of our emotions through a series of abstract kinetic characters, in which the iconic digital work is brought to life in his first solo exhibition, MOODS, at the historical former St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai, China.

Running from 28th December 2021 to 23rd January 2021, the exhibition hosted by global art agency M:87 bridges physical artworks with unique digital creations. In a time where people are glued to the screen more than ever, Zanotto’s exhibition encourages visitors to interact and engage in his creations in person and in real-time. “From CGI animation and blackbox projections to AR installations and life-size sculptures, there is a medium for everyone to enjoy in MOODS,” says Zanotto.

Six-metre-tall character balloons on the lawn outside the church welcome visitors, while Zanotto’s signature ‘eyes’ greet visitors from the church’s windows and curtain door. Inside the church halls, showcased within nine stunning arches are the artist’s signature kinetic videos played on loop. At the end of the hall is a specially curated black box, in which visitors can immerse themselves in Zanotto’s iconic animation projections. 

Integral to Zanotto’s works, music is combined with each animation in order to bring audiences visual and auditory comfort. Installations like ‘Watery Eyes’ allow visitors to interact with and appreciate the art in another medium.

Behind the artist’s comforting and relaxed artworks lie profound insights into the digital age. An expert in digital art. Zanotto masterfully melds simple design language with a playful colour collection and basic physics to appeal to people of all ages. Little to no explanation is needed to understand the concept and intended notion.

In making sure that the feel-good experience doesn’t end at the exhibition, Zanotto has specially created MOODS merchandise for visitors to take home. Fifty sets of limited edition MOODS sculptures are up for grabs along with tote bags, clocks, mood tower prints, and magnets. The full range of merchandise is also available for worldwide purchase via m87inno.com and on the M:87 WeChat page, M87art.

Images courtesy of M:87

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