TeamLab Borderless in Photos
TeamLab Borderless was the world’s first museum dedicated to digital art. It’s not the typical type with fixed exhibits. This one is full of brilliant, colorful displays in constant motion. Once you experience it, you can understand why the Instagrammer and smartphone generation love it.
Technologically, it’s incredible. The 10,000 square meter space uses projectors and over 500 computers to create a unique experience. I doubt you could find it elsewhere. And it is something you can only see once because every few minutes, the art changes. It’s a feast for the eyes.
You might see a display of vivid red flowers on one wall as you walk. Then a few meters away might be some colorful streamers making their way over a ghostly whale on another. Moments later, it will be something, colors and all, completely different. Some even react to touch. It stimulates the senses.
But you need to exercise patience at times because it can get crowded. That can make getting photographs difficult in some places. You often have to wait for people to move. Some find a nice spot to take a selfie, then stay there and retake it many times until it is perfect. That can be stressful at times. Of course, you can walk past them.
Taking photos, for me anyway, was difficult. Most of the time, I had to use a very high ISO. With the rooms so dark, it was unavoidable. I could have used a lower setting, but that might have led to motion blur when people moved through the frame. That was something I wanted to avoid.
And that leads me to my last point. If I were to go again, I’d probably use my smartphone. With so many people and the scenes changing so quickly, bigger cameras are at a disadvantage. The other thing is that I doubt I’d ever print or blow up any pictures from a teamLab visit, so my smartphone is enough.
Still, as an experience, I enjoyed it very much. If you are an Instagram lover, you should go. You can see the teamLab Borderless website here to get full details.
Where is teamLab Borderless?
Teamlab Borderless is now closed. Please consult the website link at the bottom for other venues in Tokyo.
Useful tips for a visit to teamLab Borderless
- Some surfaces in the museum are uneven, and there are even some nets to walk on. That will make walking in high heels very difficult! Sneakers are preferable.
- There is no floor guide inside. Visitors are encouraged to explore. But, if you get lost ask the staff for guidance.
- Wear white clothes! That will make you look like a part of the exhibition when the lights hit you. I saw some people wearing white, and they looked fabulous!
What photo gear did I use?
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Conclusion
Unfortunately, teamLab Borderless is now closed. But it will reopen at a future date somewhere in Tokyo. That is something to look forward to. Anyway, this article will remain to show what this venue was once like.
I enjoyed teamLab. If you are an Instagram lover, you should go. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. One day, his camera will photograph the entire city.
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External related websites:
- teamLab Borderless (official website)