Ecosystem 17 ~ Castor

Experimental 16mm short by Teruo Koike.

The ecosystem series which started in 1981 counts 15 and is still growing, becoming Koike's lifework. Through the series, Koike has shot a huge amount – thousands – of still photos of objective motifs, from ocean creatures, microbes, and granite to artificial material such as fishing nets. Those photos are developed with a specialized method then reshot with movie film. The style has been thoroughly continued. The images that are created as a result tower before our eyes as an overwhelming visual experience. Each motif has been repeatedly decomposed and reconstructed of its "attribution" and "meaning", causing a shocking Gestalt breakdown for the audience.

Inside a stone, I found an architecture with light and time, this is my work. - TK

Ecosystem-6: A Sort of Mycelium is a mesmerizing compound of patterns found in the organic world. Static elements – ropes, a forest – come to life, while living sea creatures like an octopus or a starfish resemble ornamental patterns in motion. Inspired by the elaborate chaos systems present in nature, Koike creates an exuberant and splendid new dimension to explore.

A brief documentary focused on the history of experimental Super 8mm filmmaking. Prominent figures of the "s8" boom of the 1970s discuss their work and their first encounters with the medium.

8mm film directed by Teruo Koike

Part 8 of Koike Teruo’s Ecosystem series. 8mm

Part 7 of Koike Teruo’s Ecosystem series. 8mm

Part 30 of Koike Teruo’s Ecosystem series.

Experimental video by Teruo Koike.

Experimental short film by Teruo Koike.

Part 14 of Koike Teruo’s Ecosystem series. Video

Part 29 of Koike Teruo’s Ecosystem series. Digital