Mika Tajima Mohri presents Falling Water Given, a new exhibition at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery that investigates the hidden forces shaping everyday environments. Through kinetic installations and site-responsive works, the artist transforms ordinary materials into complex ecosystems that respond to gravity, magnetism and humidity.
Most notably, the presentation includes works from the Moré Moré (Leaky) series. The project draws inspiration from improvised water-leak solutions commonly seen in Tokyo subway stations. In these installations, Mohri intentionally orchestrates water leaks that activate networks of found objects and musical instruments gathered in New York City. Consequently, the resulting systems generate shifting movements and sounds that evolve in real time.
Life, decay and environmental traces
Meanwhile, the upstairs gallery focuses on the Decompositions series, which examines the relationship between life and decay. In these works, Mohri attaches electrodes to ripe fruits in order to measure subtle moisture changes as decomposition unfolds.
As the fruit slowly breaks down, sensors convert these moisture fluctuations into sonic harmonies and light patterns. Therefore, the installations reveal traces of biological activity that continue even after the fruit has been harvested. Over time, the drying process alters the pitch of the musical compositions. As a result, the work blurs the boundary between stillness and vitality.
Additionally, the exhibition introduces a new group of abstract paintings. In these works, environmental factors such as atmosphere and chance directly influence the formation of the image. Consequently, each canvas records the surrounding conditions as an integral part of the artistic process.
Falling Water Given remains on view at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery until April 18, 2026.