In 1967, the founding of Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.) marked a new era of collaboration between art and technology. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering collaboration between artists and engineers, breaking down traditional creative boundaries. As the times change, E.A.T.'s most representative work, the Pepsi Pavilion at the 1970 Osaka World Expo, is still regarded as the pinnacle of the intersection of art and technology for its innovative design and technological integration.
The design of the Pepsi Pavilion is not only an artistic expression, but also a combination of technology and nature.
The Pepsi Pavilion was curated by Billy Klüver, one of the founding members of E.A.T., and Robert Whitman, and combines the creativity of multiple artists and the technology of scientists. The dome structure was inspired by the dome designs of renowned architect Buckminster Fuller and features a mist sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya. Such creations not only make it a visual feast, but also demonstrate the amazing potential of technology in art.
Not only is the dome unique in appearance, its interior features are also very creative. Visitors walk into a dome covered in mist and surrounded by ultra-thin Mylar mirrors that reflect real images. This design allows visitors to appreciate the same image from different angles, as if they were in a three-dimensional holographic world.
Pepsi Pavilion is a laboratory for exploring how technology can challenge and reshape our perceptions.
In addition to the integration with natural elements, the Pepsi Pavilion also showcases E.A.T.'s exploration in emerging technologies. Seven dynamic sculptures (Floats) designed by Robert Breer inside and outside the pavilion add vivid sound effects and touch to the entire installation. The sculptures can actively change direction according to the surrounding environment. Such interactive design challenges the audience's traditional perception of art. These unprecedented elements make the Pepsi Pavilion a shining jewel in the exhibition.
However, the significance of the Pepsi Pavilion goes far beyond its physical structure and visual impact; it symbolizes the deepening relationship between art, technology and society. The establishment of E.A.T. is not only part of an art movement, but also reflects society's enthusiasm and thinking about technology and modernity in the 1960s. This experimental nature, at the core of its mission, promotes a greater sense of involvement of art in the ongoing evolution of science and technology, allowing artists to play a more important role in society.
Over time, the influence of E.A.T. and its Pepsi Pavilion expanded into the realm of new media art and the application of new technologies in artistic creation. Today, many artists are still inspired by this creative model and integrate digital technology into their works, continuing to explore the boundaries between art and technology.
The Pepsi Pavilion is a concrete representation of future technological possibilities.
In today's society, every time people walk into an art exhibition, they can still feel the breakthrough and possibility conveyed by Pepsi Pavilion. As the original intention of E.A.T.'s design stated, it is not just an exhibition, but also a dialogue - an endless dialogue between art and technology, between the past and the present.
We can’t help but wonder, how will the spirit and philosophy conveyed by Pepsi Pavilion affect future creative performance?