Opsin

In ‘Opsin’, one can explore the wonders of the octopus skin. By immersing yourself among the cells and folds of the animal’s organ, you can gain a glimpse into how octopuses perceive the world. This work not only shows how the octopus skin works but also highlights the contrasting ways in which we experience life. You will find yourself in the place where the outside world and an organism come together. While humans perceive light with their eyes, octopuses sense light with their entire skin surface, transforming their whole body in response.

Using spheres filled with ink and surrounded by mirrors, I recreated the basic mechanics of an octopus’ ability to camouflage. By incorporating an analog circuit that mimics the light-sensitive cells called opsins, viewers can immerse themselves in the cellular experience of octopus skin.

Through this work, I aim to address one of the most pressing questions of our time: Why do humans see themselves as superior beings when there is so much other beauty, intelligence and agency in the natural world?