An approx. 10-hour project refinement dedicates to Wētā Workshop’s interview
Real-life experience
Inspired by the elegant form of a heron with its wings closed, serving as the starting point for the entire journey. Building upon the previous rectangular design, the overall shape has been refined to create a smoother and more fluid form. This new shape seamlessly connects each scene, guiding visitors naturally from one space to the next.
The design was developed and sculpted in ZBrush, with the overall form resembling a combination of an aircraft’s cockpit and the body of a heron. This unique shape integrates the graceful lines of a heron’s wings, capturing the moment just before the bird opens them. The structure may also be motorised and engineered for dynamic movement, enhancing the immersive experience of the exhibition.
iterated and
Designed,
sculpted in ZBrush and rendered in Keyshot
Glimpse of Kamikaze
A Glimpse
of
Kamikaze +
Different angle for viewer ?
A new scene has been designed following the “Before the Fall” segment, further enriching the narrative and immersive experience. This scene depicts the pilot’s dramatic descent into the water after the aircraft’s failure, adding depth and emotion to the overall storyline.
in ZBrush and rendered in KeyShot
Sculpted
Test lighting and material in Blender
KAMIKAZE THE
STORY OF HERON
Design inspiration
This exhibition delves into a poignant chapter of World War II, focusing on the Japanese Special Attack Units, known as Kamikaze. These pilots employed suicide attacks to combat the formidable U.S. Navy. The manner in which these aircraft plunged towards U.S. ships evokes the imagery of birds falling into the ocean.
Aircraft can be seen as incredible technical advancements, yet they are also machines capable of taking lives with ease. The Japanese Kamikaze squadrons viewed these missions as successful only in death, with no intention of returning. Some survivors, however, were rescued by the U.S. Navy.
The exhibition is also inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s recent movie, “The Boy and the Heron.” In the movie, a heron guides and inspires the entire story. The final scene features the script: “How you live depends on how you see the world.” This sentiment is reflected in my sculpture design, which interprets how we see war. It can be viewed with anger and devastation, or as a fall that leads to new hope
This exhibition aims to re-imaging existing exhibition in Te papa, providing an immersive and reflective experience, shedding light on the motivations, strategies, and the profound impact of these kamikaze missions.
Key words
Anti-war Bird, heron Digital ------ Physical Mix of Real and Surreal Japanese Special Attack Unit
Photograph of Kamikaze
Hayao Miyazaki’s recent movie the boy and the heron Light Cycle exhibition
Es Devlin’s exhibition
Kamikaze
A Glimpse of Kamikaze
A Glimpse of Kamikaze
Interaction between past and present through frosted glass, creating a scene that immerse visitors and the war. The structure can be developed and be more intriguing and complex
Concept sketch
Before the fall
Physical Scene mock-up in Blender, Zbrush
Rigged in Zbrush
Experiencing Materiality
Scale to real person
From the last scene, viewers are suddenly transported to a more physical setup, which shows a Japanese bomber being shot down and about to fall into the ocean.
Touch the heron
Touch the heron
Key Sculpture Design
Gesture designed and Sculpted in ZBrush and rendered in Keyshot
Proposed view for ‘Touch the Heron’ Sculpture
Facial Design
30 min, main structure
60min, refinement
Concept for ‘Touch the Heron’ Sculpture
Concept for ‘Touch the Heron’ Sculpture
Fall to Hope
Zbrush iteration
Initial concept iteration
As mentioned above, aircraft are seen as technological advancements, yet they can be a double-edged sword, as exemplified by the Kamikaze missions. The kind of world we build and the lives we lead depend on individual choices.
