Doku the Creator – 独生独死 创造者
Parcel
Until Jun 15
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Artists
Lu Yang, Doku
PARCEL is pleased to present “DOKU the Creator – 独生独死 创造者”, a duo exhibition by Lu Yang and DOKU.
Born in Shanghai and currently based between Shanghai and Tokyo, Lu Yang creates from a space that exists between “life” and “illusion.” In his work, identity dissolves, consciousness itself becomes a field of exploration, and the practice is deeply informed by Buddhist philosophy—particularly the concepts of impermanence, non-self, and reincarnation.
In the ongoing DOKU series featured in this exhibition, Lu Yang merges hyper realistic digital humans with metaphysical questions, instilling his avatar, DOKU, with a consciousness that transcends gender, nationality, and even life and death. While DOKU has long existed as Lu Yang’s digital avatar, in this exhibition it is also positioned as an autonomous artistic entity, subtly shifting the dynamics of authorship and inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between creator and creation. The name “DOKU” is derived from the Buddhist teaching Dokusho Dokushi, Dokukyo Dokurai (“we are born alone, and we die alone”), and these beings function not merely as visual constructs but as philosophical vehicles exploring what it means to live in a post-human, post-ego age. Utilizing digital technologies, game engines, and virtual avatars, Lu Yang constructs immersive worlds that reflect the fictitious nature of reality. Through frequent collaborations with scientists, engineers, monks, and musicians, they also expand the boundaries of artistic experience.
The work oscillates between sacred ritual and synthetic spectacle.
At first glance, Lu Yang’s exhibition space might seem to overflow with sensory stimulation. Yet beneath this ecstatic surface lies a depth of thought shaped by neuroscience, music, fashion, and subcultural elements such as otaku culture. For Lu Yang, art is a dance of reincarnation—a path toward enlightenment. By fusing contemporary technology with ancient teachings, he challenges the fixed notions of self and invites viewers to witness the beginning of creation and its ultimate conclusion in the void—where all things arise and ultimately dissolve.
This exhibition marks the Japan premiere of the video work DOKU the Creator – 独生独死 创造者, in which the artist delves into fundamental questions—why was DOKU chosen to be an artist? The work poses inquiries into the originality of art, creative process, authorship, and value. Through an immersive experience, it encourages reflection on human relationships, self-recognition in virtual worlds, the impact of digital technology on our lives, and the role of art in our hyper-technological age.
Rather than merely questioning existing notions such as “what is art?”, “who creates it?”, and “how is value defined?”, DOKU the Creator invites audiences to physically engage with these questions. This exhibition is a field of practice by Lu Yang and DOKU that opens up new possibilities for the future of art—an invitation to experience a boundary-defying, visionary world.
Born in Shanghai and currently based between Shanghai and Tokyo, Lu Yang creates from a space that exists between “life” and “illusion.” In his work, identity dissolves, consciousness itself becomes a field of exploration, and the practice is deeply informed by Buddhist philosophy—particularly the concepts of impermanence, non-self, and reincarnation.
In the ongoing DOKU series featured in this exhibition, Lu Yang merges hyper realistic digital humans with metaphysical questions, instilling his avatar, DOKU, with a consciousness that transcends gender, nationality, and even life and death. While DOKU has long existed as Lu Yang’s digital avatar, in this exhibition it is also positioned as an autonomous artistic entity, subtly shifting the dynamics of authorship and inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between creator and creation. The name “DOKU” is derived from the Buddhist teaching Dokusho Dokushi, Dokukyo Dokurai (“we are born alone, and we die alone”), and these beings function not merely as visual constructs but as philosophical vehicles exploring what it means to live in a post-human, post-ego age. Utilizing digital technologies, game engines, and virtual avatars, Lu Yang constructs immersive worlds that reflect the fictitious nature of reality. Through frequent collaborations with scientists, engineers, monks, and musicians, they also expand the boundaries of artistic experience.
The work oscillates between sacred ritual and synthetic spectacle.
At first glance, Lu Yang’s exhibition space might seem to overflow with sensory stimulation. Yet beneath this ecstatic surface lies a depth of thought shaped by neuroscience, music, fashion, and subcultural elements such as otaku culture. For Lu Yang, art is a dance of reincarnation—a path toward enlightenment. By fusing contemporary technology with ancient teachings, he challenges the fixed notions of self and invites viewers to witness the beginning of creation and its ultimate conclusion in the void—where all things arise and ultimately dissolve.
This exhibition marks the Japan premiere of the video work DOKU the Creator – 独生独死 创造者, in which the artist delves into fundamental questions—why was DOKU chosen to be an artist? The work poses inquiries into the originality of art, creative process, authorship, and value. Through an immersive experience, it encourages reflection on human relationships, self-recognition in virtual worlds, the impact of digital technology on our lives, and the role of art in our hyper-technological age.
Rather than merely questioning existing notions such as “what is art?”, “who creates it?”, and “how is value defined?”, DOKU the Creator invites audiences to physically engage with these questions. This exhibition is a field of practice by Lu Yang and DOKU that opens up new possibilities for the future of art—an invitation to experience a boundary-defying, visionary world.
Schedule Now in session | Apr 19 (Sat) 2025-Jun 15 (Sun) 2025 53 days left Opening Hours Information
Opening Reception Apr 18 (Fri) 2025 18:00 - 21:00 | ||||
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://parceltokyo.jp/exhibition/doku_the_creator/ | ||||
| Venue | Parcel http://parceltokyo.jp/ | ||||
| Location | 1F DDD hotel, 2-2-1 Nihombashi, Bakurocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0002 | ||||
| Access | 1 minute walk from exit C4 at Bakurocho Station on the JR Sobu line, 5 minute walk from the East exit of Asakusa-bashi Station on the JR Chuo Sobu line, 5 minute walk from exit A2 at Asakusa-bashi Station on the Toei Asakusa line. | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it     |
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