Experiencing A Musical Journey Through Sound, Water, and Vision at IMMERSIVE ART

SearchMindscape Foundation‘s IMMERSIVE ART event was a groundbreaking celebration of the senses, with music playing a central role in transforming the entire experience. Taking place on October 26, 2004, at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati, the exhibit brought together live painting, underwater photography, digital projections, and performance art — all underscored by an evocative soundscape that resonated through every corner of the venue.

Under the theme Of Echoes and Currents, the event explored the profound relationship between the ocean, art, and the human experience. The music at IMMERSIVE ART was more than an accompaniment — it was an integral part of the multi-sensory experience, designed to deepen the emotional impact of the visual art, heighten awareness of the natural world, and create an immersive atmosphere where every sound, note, and rhythm was in conversation with the artworks around it.

Music and Movement: A Symbiosis Of Sea And Sound

Ayni Nuyda, the visionary behind SearchMindscape, shared that the goal of IMMERSIVE ART was to blur the boundaries between audience and artist, creating a “playground” where music, movement, and visual art could coexist in harmony. “It’s about creating an unforgettable experience by engaging the audience in a way that activates all five senses,” she explained. “Music, in particular, plays a key role in evoking the rhythm and pulse of the sea.”

As guests entered the venue, they were immediately surrounded by a sensory landscape where digital art projections and live musical performances intermingled. The sound of the ocean echoed throughout the space, as compositions inspired by the waves, the calls of marine life, and the surge of tides filled the air. The live music at IMMERSIVE ART was curated by Nick Lazaro and Mike Constantino of Homonym, and it was designed to mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean’s natural rhythms. From the gentle hum of waves to the intense crescendo of crashing tides, the musical performances wove together an acoustic narrative that matched the exhibit’s visual elements.

The performances included a diverse roster of artists, each bringing their own unique sound to the experience. Among the featured musical acts were artists like Barbie Almalbis, Sampaguita, Absar Aksa, Cy Tamura, Banaue Miclat, Fashion Island, Aman, Aries, Pikoy, Joee Mejias, Pete Canzon Group, Ila, Camille Lopez Molina, Jerms, and Kino1998.

Each artist contributed to the layered soundscape, which ranged from folk to experimental, ambient to rock. These performances, set against the backdrop of stunning digital projections and live painting, transported guests into an alternate universe where sound and vision coalesced into a cohesive whole.

Digital Projections: Visualizing The Music Of The Sea

In the main hall, an expansive 909-square-meter space, visitors were enveloped by floor-to-ceiling digital art projections that extended the sensory experience. Ayni Nuyda described the projections as a way to “push perceptual boundaries” by blending technology with nature. The digital works on display invited viewers to reconsider their relationship with the ocean, with each piece inspired by the flowing currents, the mystery of the deep, and the fragility of water. These projections were not static; they moved and changed, much like the ocean itself, creating a dynamic interplay between the visual and auditory elements.

The digital art projections were created by a roster of talented artists, including Manny Montelibano, Bea Mariano, Jet Leyco, Tey Clamor, Idan Cruz, Lih Ocampo, Jermaine Peck, Kristone Capistrano, Boogs Rosales, James Clar, Rebbie Ramoso, Madge Reyes, John Torres, Rhadem Musawah, Marianne Valdez, Susan Larsson, Red Sales, Chino Neri, and Bimpoman.

Each digital artist employed different techniques — from abstract, conceptual designs to realistic depictions of marine life — creating a visual dialogue that aligned seamlessly with the accompanying music.

The Sound Of Water: The Ocean As Inspiration

As part of the multi-sensory experience, live music performances were inspired by the sounds of the ocean. Ayni noted, “The live music performances introduce an auditory dimension that mirrors the rhythms of the seas. Whether it’s the subtle swish of waves or the sudden force of a tide, each piece reflects the dynamic sounds of water.”

One notable performance featured ballet dancers interpreting the flow of water through movement. The ballet, choreographed by Lily Andres, was accompanied by Sheree Chua’s spoken poetry. The performance unfolded beneath Aze Ong’s “Four Queens” installation, adding another layer of depth to the atmosphere.

In the spirit of creating a holistic, immersive environment, IMMERSIVE ART also featured a unique form of intuitive dance: a meditative Sufi dance by Chloe Chotrani, further adding to the event’s sense of spiritual and emotional depth. Through music, poetry, and movement, guests were invited to dive deeper into the theme of Echoes and Currents—an exploration of the ocean as both a source of life and a force that connects us all.

Live Painting: The Art Of Creation In Real-Time

In addition to music and digital projections, IMMERSIVE ART also showcased Battle of the Brush, a live painting competition that allowed visitors to witness the creative process unfold in real-time. Artists worked side by side, creating masterpieces inspired by the theme of water and the sea. The battle between artists was accompanied by the sounds of live music, enriching the atmosphere with an additional layer of sensory engagement.

The live painting works created during Battle of the Brush included Rhythm of the Waves by Lydia Velasco and Anina Rubio, Journey of Hope by Charlie Co, Abyss by Roedil Gerardo, Marine Treasures by Orley Ypon and Mark Belicario, Armored Endangered by AG Saño and Buwi Meneses. and Spirit of the Story by Barc and Dime.

The artworks were available for silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the relief efforts in Ayni’s hometown of Bicol. “The art created here is not just for display; it serves a greater purpose,” Ayni explained. “It’s about creating something meaningful, both in the experience and in the impact it has on the world.”

A Unique Sensory Experience

In its inaugural year, IMMERSIVE ART by SearchMindscape Foundation was a first-of-its-kind event in the Philippines—a celebration of music, art, and nature, where the boundaries between these elements dissolved to create a holistic, multi-sensory journey. The exhibit demonstrated how music can transform our understanding of visual art, how sound can evoke emotion, and how the ocean — both fragile and powerful — can inspire creativity and connection across disciplines.

Ultimately, IMMERSIVE ART was a call to reconnect with nature, to listen to the ocean’s songs, and to witness the beauty that emerges when art, music, and the natural world converge. It was an unforgettable exploration of the senses, with the ocean as both a muse and a metaphor for the currents that shape our lives.