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What Lingers in the Afterglow / Connected Ink 2021
Connected Ink is an event that explores new directions in art, human expression, learning, and the technologies that support them.
What is creative chaos? The quest to find answers began with Connected Ink 2020. Continuing the search, Connected Ink 2021 opened with a new question: "What will come out of creative chaos?”. This time around the topic of the “universe" served as a platform for the creators and audience to explore the question on an even deeper level. Here’s a look back at the opening and finale of the nearly 70 sessions held that day and reflect upon what has happened since Connected Ink 2021.
Opening: https://youtu.be/GUDW7ZNuIB8 (Connected Ink YouTube channel)
Finale: https://youtu.be/P8RM0hlcQs8 (Connected Ink YouTube channel)
Matter and Antimatter
The stars and life in the universe are made up of matter composed of particles, the smallest unit of matter being the subatomic particle. But where there’s a positive, there’s also a negative. And in this case, it is a substance called antimatter which is made up of antiparticles. It is said that particles and antiparticles exist in pairs, and when they meet, they nullify each other and then disappear.
About 13.8 billion years ago, when the Big Bang occurred, which is said to be the beginning of the universe, matter and antimatter existed in about the same amount, but somehow only antimatter disappeared. This collision of matter and antimatter is incorporated into the performance by IMPALA and NORA, along with the relationship between the universe and human beings.
The Sound of the Universe
The sound of the universe, which shows up as a key element in the opening and finale, was created by a space sound team of scientists and artists. Various subatomic particles are constantly pouring down from the universe, passing through our bodies as they exist. One of these subatomic particles, the cosmic ray muons, was connected to wind chimes. The signals from space were received in near real-time and converted into sound which was expressed as the sound of space on stage. Adding yet another cosmic element to the experience were the signals picked up from satellites observing the sun. The sound of the solar wind was then played to amplify the soundscape.
Direct Connection between Time and the Universe
The sound of the universe was used as a medium to directly connect time and the universe from one scene to another. In the opening, wind chimes were used as a cue to show a video of Satoru Kobayashi, an artist at the Rumbini Museum (Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan). As usual, Satoru Kobayashi painted the Japanese letters "Warera ha aratana bi wo tsukuru” (We create new beauty), a line from Kenji Miyazawa's "An Outline of the Essential Art of the Peasant". Takashi Itagaki, the art director of the Rumbini Museum, added, "I think this phrase is appropriate for Connected Ink”. Traversing the night sky, the piece then flew from Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan to its destination in the west using the Universal Art web application.
Each Universe
During the finale, the sound of the universe chimed in once again for the LIMITS-style live drawing to commence. Inuraku and FF00FF-ink (magenta ink) drew on the theme of the universe and digital, the universe and creation respectively. On the same stage, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra played the song "Planet" over the rippling sound of the universe while IMPALA and NORA performed, drawing the audience into the vortex of the stage. Audience members were able to observe a piece that had returned from a 27-hour journey when they looked up at the ceiling. The sound of the universe was played once again as Satoru Kobayashi stood with wind chimes at the windowsill, bringing Connected Ink 2021 to a quiet close.
What will come out of creative chaos?
Did we find an answer to this question? Maybe there’s not meant to be an answer… Or maybe there is. Surely, each of us will have a different take on Connected Ink 2021.
Nobu Ide says that "all human creation is birthed from the universe”, which is still full of mysteries. Having the universe as this year’s theme allowed each artist to express their world through painting, music, dance, song, and video at Connected Ink 2021. It may have been too large to leave room for interpretation but we believe that something that lingers in the afterglow will teach us the meaning of continuing to question creative chaos.
Our Sparks. “Ordinary Days at Koryo High School: Inspired by Choju-Giga”
We are pleased to introduce Ordinary Days at Koryo High School: Inspired by Choju-Giga, a creative project born from the Pen Tablet Art Challenge 2024 at Omiya Koryo High School. The collaboration brought together four talented students from the Art and Calligraphy departments.
Memorialize your experience on a key tag
At Connected Ink 2024, we hosted a key tag-making workshop inspired by the theme of “Ordinary Days.” The vibrant characters featured in the key visual, designed by ktym, were brought to life with a dash of Creative Chaos.
High School Students Rising to the Challenge
Seigakuin High School, known for its focus on STEAM education, integrates Wacom pen displays into its curriculum. Enthusiastic students who love to draw took the lead in holding a digital coloring workshop, showcasing their creativity and artistic abilities.
Watch and Talk – Screening Event for Refugee Film Festival Partners
We held the Screening Event for Refugee Film Festival Partners to set the stage for thinking and talking about society and the environment with our team members.
Finding Connections to Society Through Wacom’s Instruments and Technology
We will present a comprehensive account of our journey on exploring ways to connect with society and the community through meaningful experiences, centered around the theme of ‘Finding Connections to Society Through Wacom’s Instruments and Technology.’
Reflecting on the Last Five Years: Progress and Future Trajectories of Social Initiatives
We will reflect upon our five-year journey with CEO Nobu Ide about the intention to connect the future of Social Initiatives with our Meaningful Growth.
Our Sparks. “Focus: The Autistic Superhero Loves Comic Art!” by Yvonne Wan
Discover the inspiring works of community creators who collaborate with us. Today, we feature “Focus: The Autistic Superhero Loves Comic Art!” by Yvonne Wan.
Back to the Forest/Connected Ink 2023
The theme of Connected Ink 2023 was 'Back to the Forest.' Together with our community, we shared our memories of returning to the forest of Creative Chaos.
"CREATE Program" Expanding Future Possibilities and Connecting Hopes
Wacom Canada has been involved with the "CREATE Program" at Sisler High School as a partner to support students who want to embark on career paths in the creative industry.
Our Sparks. “Join The Journey” by Arian Rahmatzai
The 'Our Sparks.' pages showcases community creators whose works inspire and collaborate with us. This time features Arian Rahmatzai's artwork, a German talent who interned at Wacom.
Supporting Children's Dreams of Becoming Creators - 1: Initiatives with Kinko Town
The aspiration of children who dream of becoming creators is what ignites our team members’ enthusiasm and drives many of our initiatives. One such initiative involved teaming up with an animation workshop in Kinko Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
Wacom Yuify: Making the world a safer place for creators
Wacom Yuify is an innovative service being developed to authenticate creators' works by embedding invisible micro-marks into artworks and, therefore, addressing unique needs across various regions and cultures.
Initiatives in China – Bringing Digital Ink Technology to More People
Lannie Zhang, the only product manager in the Ink Division in China, took the time to talk to us about the initiatives planned to increase awareness and promote the use of digital ink technology.
Our Sparks. “At the beach in the early afternoon” by sammy
We would like to introduce the artworks by artists in Oiso Town, Kanagawa, Japan, where we have been working together to support the writing/drawing initiative.
Wacom Experience Center - A space for everyone to be creative
The Wacom Experience Center Portland was created for people to interact with the creative community in the city. We took a look back at its growth with Megan Davis, who has been playing an energetic role there.
Connected Ink 2022: What happens here is everything
Connected Ink 2022 opened with two key questions. Let’s take a look back at some of the sessions in Tokyo that explored them.
Read More
Our Sparks. “Wind Carrying Light” by Syuro
We would like to introduce the artworks by artists in Oiso Town, Kanagawa, Japan, where we have been working together to support the writing/drawing initiative.
Read More
How can we support the “writing/drawing" initiative with Oiso Town?
The partnership with Oiso Town has developed into a city-wide initiative. We spoke with Tadakuni Tsubota of the Creative BU Retail Partnership about this initiative.
A side of the Connected Ink polyhedron - 2
How do team members see Connected Ink? The next team member is Yohei Himori who is involved in the planning and operation of Connected Ink together with Heidi.
A side of the Connected Ink polyhedron - 1
How do team members see Connected Ink? The first team member is Heidi Wang who has played a key role in the planning and operations when it all began in 2016.
How can we overcome barriers that exist in society? / Call & Response
In collaboration with Heralbony Inc. and the General Incorporated Association, Connected Ink Village, Wacom launched a new initiative called "Call & Response” in September 2021.
What Lingers in the Afterglow / Connected Ink 2021
Here’s a look back at the opening and finale of the nearly 70 sessions held that day and reflect upon what has happened since Connected Ink 2021.
Our Sparks.
“The spark of love” by Jacky Yang
Our sparks meet constantly changing situations, unexpected challenges, and new opportunities. We called on our team members again to show how they see their spark in the world of today and the future.
Keep asking questions and moving forward / Connected Ink 2020
Connected Ink 2020 was the beginning of a new commitment and challenge for Wacom to continue asking those eternal questions that always play in our minds.
“Stage KOPPA”, a stage that connects stories
"Stage KOPPA" was created as a stage for Connected Ink 2020. It is a stage that changes its shape and role in response to different situations while connecting the various stories that occur there.
Our Sparks.
“Mam and Dad’s Child Interest” by Stella Wang
“Mam and Dad’s Child Interest” by Stella Wang
Our sparks meet constantly changing situations, unexpected challenges, and new opportunities. We called on our team members again to show how they see their spark in the world of today and the future.
Our Sparks.
"A moment on an autumn mountain" by Takahiro Yamamoto
"A moment on an autumn mountain" by Takahiro Yamamoto
We had an internal art contest for our Social Initiatives. Let us share the existence of the spark in our team members’ hearts with their artworks.
Online drawing class for elementary school students during stay-at-home period
Yoshinori Mita, a team member of Japan held an online drawing class together with FC KAZO and illustrator Suiiro to provide something fun for elementary school children to do during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period.
Wacom's new initiative through soccer
As an official partner, Wacom supports FC KAZO, a soccer club in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. We’re excited to introduce our new initiatives with this inspiring club.
Our Sparks.
"The spark is in you! Mirror portraits during times of isolation" by Oliver Madlener
"The spark is in you! Mirror portraits during times of isolation" by Oliver Madlener
We had an internal art contest for our Social Initiatives. Let us share the existence of the spark in our team members’ hearts with their artworks.
Online Sketchnoting workshop for children during school closures
Our team members in Germany organized an online workshop “Young Wacom” for the children while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support the "lives" of artists through customer support
Alex Duffey from our Americas Support team established a new program to support artists. We asked him about a story with Ms. Devon Bragg, the artist who inspired him to establish this program.
3. How KOPPA began /
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
KOPPA began in April 2019. Tamotsu wanted to make something that can be used again after an exhibition. We asked Team KOPPA about their thoughts.
2. No need to destroy it anymore /
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
We put it together ourselves, set it up, put it back, then travel together again. The Traveling KOPPA, our new display furniture came to be.
1.Meeting KOPPA /
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
The story of the Traveling KOPPA
KOPPA started out as a challenge: Tamotsu Ito, an architect from Japan, wanted to utilize leftover building materials. Our meeting was pure happenstance.
Our Sparks.
“That Spark Inside” by Simone Wolters
“That Spark Inside” by Simone Wolters
We had an internal art contest for our Social Initiatives. Let us share the existence of the spark in our team members’ hearts with their artworks.
Marketing lecture for future engineers
We gave a marketing lecture for students who are learning to be engineers at the National Institute of Technology Tokyo College.
Efforts by our sales member, who are responsible for a pen tablet until the very end
Every year, we take pen tablets that have been sitting in our warehouse and gift them to high school clubs and winners of high school art competitions to help students create digital contents.
For the Future of Education
Lifelong Ink x AI
Lifelong Ink x AI
"AI Ink for Education" was developed to capture eye movement information and pen movements while learning, in order to ascertain the characteristics of learning by each student and to create an educational environment suited to each student.
Wacom Intuos have been introduced in a school to make classes more fun and creative
Yoana Simeonova, a software designer working in Bulgaria, introduced Wacom Intuos in a school to make children's IT classes more fun.