Promoting cross cultural interaction through art, Expo City Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza is set to host a special virtual reality performance by world-renowned Japanese virtual reality/NFT artist Aimi Sekiguchi. In partnership with Expo City Dubai and Dubai Calligraphy Biennale – a showcase organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai taking place until 31 October; Aimi’s performance touches on the meaning of love and highlights the beauty of Japanese and Arabic calligraphy in a fusion of art and innovation.
Building on the spirit of the event and its global message, the recently launched Al Wasl Plaza Café is collaborating with Emirati homegrown brand and renowned Japanese bakery Yamanote Atelier to infuse the evening with additional cultural flavours, with a one-night-only menu of Japanese delicacies.
Aimi Sekiguchi’s performance will take place on Saturday, October 21 and, inspired by the meaning of love and the elegant beauty of Arabic and Japanese calligraphy, pays homage to the powers of art and technology while simultaneously celebrating innovation, creative dialogues and collaborations between different cultures.
Marking the first time that a virtual reality performance has ever been hosted at Al Wasl Plaza, it is set to be Aimi’s most ambitious and groundbreaking project yet. By using an NDI link, Aimi invites guests at Al Wasl Plaza to witness her painting a fantastical world with virtual brush strokes in real time.
Aimi Sekiguchi, VR/NFT Artist, says: “Virtual reality has traditionally been a closed environment, but through this landmark collaboration between Expo City Dubai and Dubai Calligraphy Biennale with the collaboration of Yamanote Atelier, I’m opening it up for everyone to experience. It’s an honour to be part of the historic debut of a VR performance at Al Wasl Plaza, and to create a VR performance in such an inspiring and monumental setting. Inspired by Japanese heritage and the meaning of love in both Arabic and Japanese, I hope my performance will act as a timeless testament to the powers of art and technology. Cross-cultural partnerships such as this play a vital role in amplifying innovation and creative dialogue. I want to thank Dubai Culture and the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale for making it possible, and encourage everyone to join me for this once-in-a-lifetime performance at Expo City Dubai on October 21.”
A pioneering VR/NFT Artist, Aimi Sekiguchi is one of the forerunners of Japanese digital art. Drawing inspiration from authentic Japanese culture, her art introduces viewers to an eclectic world where ukiyo-e painting techniques and traditional Japanese motifs meet the vibrant and fantastical realm of modern technology and colour. Experienced at performing live VR art at major events across the globe, her performance at Al Wasl Plaza Café is set to be an unforgettable occasion.
Guests at Al Wasl Plaza Café can relax and watch Aimi’s incredible creations come alive in front of their eyes while sampling the new menu by Yamanote Atelier. Spanning exquisite pastries to light and fluffy Japanese buns, the restaurant uses authentic ingredients sourced directly from Japan.
Founded in Dubai in 2013, the homegrown brand is known as the UAE’s favourite artisanal Japanese bakery and specialty café, and shares Aimi’s passion for Japanese culture. It will establish a pop-up at Expo City Dubai on November 1, bringing an entirely new Japanese menu and an enhanced culinary experience that encourages cultural awareness.
Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum, Founder of Yamanote Atelier, says: “The art of storytelling has evolved. Our collaboration with Aimi Sekiguchi sets a precedent for immersive storytelling, offering VR artists a platform for creative expression and brands a channel for amplified messaging. Aimi shares our deep passion for Japanese culture and cuisine, and we are excited to see how our collective vision is crafted to reality. As unique as this collaboration, we eagerly anticipate the launch of a distinctive Yamanote Atelier at Expo City Dubai. This version will introduce a menu unlike anything previously offered in Yamanote’s decade-long history. We’re excited this takes place in Dubai; a global hub for unique experiences, innovation, and cultural exchange, a brilliant example of the City’s limitless potential in diversity and innovation.”
The VR performance by Aimi Sekiguchi will take place at Al Wasl Plaza at 7pm on Saturday, October 21.
For more information about Aimi Sekiguchi, visit aimimusou.com. For more information about Yamanote Atelier, please visit yamanoteatelier.com and for more about Al Wasl Plaza Café visit expocitydubai.com/en/eat-and-drink/Al-wasl-plaza-cafe/.