Earth Bija began with a desire to send fragments of the landscape where I live now back to the place I grew up, Malaysia. I started LiDAR-scanning rocks gathered across my travels in America and transforming them into luminous sculptures**—**carrying these places with me without removing anything from the land itself.
The project took shape as a commission for Gamelatron Sonic Sanctuary: 1000 Ways To Sit, a three-month exhibition at Heron Arts featuring Aaron Taylor Kuffner's immersive sonic kinetic installation. For the sanctuary, each bija was spatially mapped and programmed to respond to different instruments within the gamelan compositions, glowing at varying intensities across the evening. The sculptures became responsive seeds**—**holding geological memory while resonating with sound.
Throughout the exhibition, a rotating group of practitioners, philosophers, and somatic guides, curated by Kamau Akabueze and Sarah Koh, activated the space through public workshops and contemplative gatherings.
In November 2025, I further activated the installation through Rising, a participatory performance inviting audiences to move with the stones and return them through a shared ritual of sound, light, and placement.
Earth Bija now continues as a series of individual light objects with subtle movement and animated color, available to be rehomed and lived with.
LiDAR scan of rock from Colorado
3D print slicer view of rock
Technical production on site was supported by John “Parts” Taylor and LED hardware consultation with Matt Pinner.