OSOTO lab. is a collaborative project initiated in 2022 by Tokyo-based artists Takatoku Nishi and Yumeo Nakayama. Deeply drawn to the power and beauty embedded in nature, they explore optical phenomena, plants, and animals—translating their rhythms and physical expressions into spatial artworks. The duo shares a fascination with forces that lie beyond human control, such as sunlight, wind, and the unpredictable movements of living things, seeking to reveal these phenomena through unique materials and experimental methods.
Their works often incorporate simple, industrial materials—such as metal pipes or acrylic panels—but reframe them in ways that evoke the dynamism of the natural world. Just as the ocean, made only of seawater, holds profound beauty, they aim to express the organic vitality latent within inorganic matter.
While their works may contain poetic elements, OSOTO lab. prioritizes intuitive and sensory experience. Rather than leaning on narrative or metaphor, they create environments where viewers can feel the rhythm of nature and the vitality of life. Their practice invites audiences to rediscover familiar phenomena—like the shimmer of light or the subtle motion of leaves—as sources of wonder and curiosity.
Working together as a duo allows them to uncover aspects of natural phenomena that might otherwise be overlooked individually. Through this collaborative lens, each project becomes a dialogue—not only between the artists and nature, but also between the artists themselves.
The name “OSOTO” comes from a gentle, childlike expression for “outside” in Japanese (そと: SOTO, おそと: OSOTO). It reflects their long-standing reverence for the natural environment and the sense of awe they’ve carried since childhood. Through their work, they seek to shape inspirations drawn from the outdoors into new encounters—inviting viewers into fresh conversations with nature itself.
Yumeo Nakayama, with a background in design, leverages lateral thinking to observe the behaviors and movement patterns of plants and animals and transform them into forms and interactions. She finds beauty in the rhythms and unpredictable motions of living systems, honing each work through thorough material research and scale-model testing. Thanks to her strong communication skills, Nakayama acts as a bridge with local communities during residencies and fieldwork, helping projects run smoothly. Her flexible creativity pairs with physical stamina, enabling her to handle long production days and repetitive tasks while refining every detail to elevate the quality of each piece.
Takatoku Nishi, trained in architecture, applies a logical mindset to translate atmospheric optical phenomena—hidden in the landscapes shaped by nature—into architectural structures. Adept at integrating elements such as light and wind, he relies on 3D CAD and advanced modeling software to carry out precise design and testing. His deep understanding of materials and fabrication techniques allows him to lead experimental prototyping and dynamic structural mock-ups. Nishi also oversees the overall project schedule, ensuring steady progress. By drawing on his knowledge of physics and meteorology, he weaves the sun’s trajectory and air currents into each piece, offering viewers a fresh spatial experience.