Hiro Yamagata

Hiro Yamagata creates artworks that are simultaneously high tech and elemental, theoretical and visceral, abstract and immersive. He explores the links between science and art, micro and macro phenomenon, and geography, ecology, technology and cultural memory.



His most recent endeavor, planned for completion in 2009, will create 160 – 240 images of Buddhas on the site of the once enormous Bamiyan Buddhas, which were destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Over 140 laser systems installed 500m, 1km and 5km in distance from the Bamiyan hills will project multiple layers of original drawings in striking colors. The laser images will be projected for 2 hours after sunset, once or twice a week. The laser systems built specifically for this installation will shoot long range green beams and short range multiple color beams, designed to create a striking contrast to the purplish red hue of the Bamiyan sunset and the black mountain shadows.


Bamiyan Laser System installation


installation at ACE Gallery, New York


Quantum Field X3, Guggenheim Bilbao, 2004



installation over Los Angeles River