Jakuzuré 蛇崩 (Kanji meaning “splitting snakes”), inspired by an Edo-period (Tokyo) neighbourhood tale of a great serpent of hope rising from the land, is an immersive installation exploring transformation and renewal.

Drawing inspiration from the Jakuzuré River Green Way in Tokyo, where the artists once lived, the work reflects on the idea that when something breaks open, it also creates new possibilities and pathways. The “splitting snake” becomes a symbol of both tension and rebirth — a shedding of old skin and an opening to new life. After relocating to Cairns, the artists found echoes of these ideas in the tropical landscapes — where rainforests, waterfalls, and waterways are in constant motion and renewal.

Through visual projections, large- and small-scale sculptures, painting, and paper cuttings, the installation invites visitors to move within an environment that mirrors the flow of time and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Artists Tetsuya Tabata and Mariana Verdaasdonk merge their different yet complementary practices — Tetsuya’s multimedia visual animations, 3D-printed sculptures, and laser-cut imagery with Mariana’s performance, mixed media, and Ikebana-inspired work — to create a contemplative space that connects Japan and Far North Queensland. Jakuzuré celebrates the continuous cycle of change, growth, and renewal.