'Floating World' Exhibit at MFAH Spins Modern Art into Interactive Eye Candy

Escape from the heat this summer and enter a world of mesmerizing masterpieces brought to life at the Floating World exhibit by artist duo A.A. Murakami at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. When we stepped through the metaphorical and literal curtains of the exhibit, we found ourselves unable to tear our eyes from the iridescent bubbles floating in the spotlit darkness. As we wandered through the series of rooms, we were unprepared for the variety in energy of each room. From serene wafting smoke to buzzing electric currents, each room provides a unique experience that will leave you pondering the possibilities of artistic expression. 

The A.A. Murakami Floating World exhibit at MFAH is the first museum installation in the United States for the duo, who are based in Tokyo and London. This exhibit is split into four unique rooms that blend science and art into a sensory experience great for all ages. The pieces put an emphasis on how people can experience technology without the barrier of screens. Rather, they use the machinery to create dynamic bubbles and smoke rings that spring from the equipment into the audience. 

Each room has a unique take on movement and art. The first room contains volcanic rocks, the second section showcases the famous smokey bubbles, the third has smoke rings, and the final room is filled with electrical rods vibrating in tandem. The exhibit attracts adults and kids alike with opportunities for children to play with the fog rings while adults can relax on bean bag chairs for a peaceful viewing experience. Each installment has ways for visitors to engage actively or passively. 

Marsha Ratzel (on right) visited with her grandchild Sara Stagg (on left). (Photo: Caroline Blocker Martinez)

Sara Stagg was visiting the exhibit with her grandmother, Marsha Ratzel. Sara shared that her favorite interactive room was “the bubble room because the side view was totally different and you got splashed by the bubbles.”

The Floating World exhibition is located on Level 1 of the Audrey Jones Beck Building and is on view through Sept. 21.  The exhibit is open for viewing Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (MFAH is closed Mondays-Tuesdays.) Entry is included with a ticket to the museum (admission: Ages 12 and under: free, ages 13-18: $20, adults 19+: $24, senior 65+ with ID: $20, and Thursdays only for ages 13+: $10).