Shaping pathways through time and space 

 Jakuzuré 蛇崩 (Kanji meaning “splitting snakes”), inspired by an Edo-period (Tokyo) neighbourhood tale of a great serpent of hope rising from the land, is an immersive installation exploring transformation and renewal. The “splitting snake” becomes a symbol of both tension and rebirth — a shedding of old skin and an opening to new life. 

Through visual projections, large- and small-scale sculptures, paintings and paper cuttings, the installation invites visitors to move within an environment that mirrors the flow of time and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Artists Tetsuya Tabata and Mariana Verdaasdonk merge their different yet complementary practices — Tetsuya’s multimedia visual animations, 3D-printed sculptures, and laser-cut imagery with Mariana’s performance, mixed media, and Ikebana-inspired work — to create a contemplative space that connects Japan and Far North Queensland. Jakuzuré celebrates the continuous cycle of change, growth and renewal. 

 Jakuzuré  Shaping pathways through time and space was held at NorthSite Gallery Cairns, Dec 6, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026.