Reformat your nature
Jesse Vega

Reformat your nature practices cultural wellness through virtual oases: Inspired by the transformative history of the Vietnamese dragon, the 3D series reimagines its traditional identity, projecting its orbital presence over an awakening garden.

Responding to global isolation and racial climate inflected on Asian consciousness, the animation transports viewers to a tranquil micro-world, considering the screen as a mode of re-belonging. The spatial departure from urban structures reifies Buddhist ideologies on mindfulness, immersing in the environment’s open ambiance.

Nature’s interconnectivity with rebirth and spirituality is formatted into the virtual oasis, neutral violet plants and geology materialising under pink skies. With soft calm sounds harmonising in the backdrop, the landscape offers meditative introspection by the glass pagoda.

In providing cultural agency towards Asian communities through digital constructs meld by past and present, the garden invites momentary comfort and growth. The garden is open to access, and made for wellness.

Reformat your nature is commissioned by 4A and curated by the Curatorial Assistant for 2021, Marco Rinaldi, as part of 4A’s Digital Curatorship. The 4A Curatorial Assistant Program is supported by the Sally Breen Family Foundation.

Published 07 May 2021

About the artist

Jesse Vega is a contemporary visual artist based in Sydney.

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Jesse Vega

4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, work and create. We recognise the enduring connections between First Nations people and the land, waters, culture and communities that have existed for over 60,000 years. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

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