Patrick HOUGH

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Patrick HOUGH

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Creators from abroad)
Activity Based	London, Dublin
City / Place stayed	Tokyo
Period	2026.9 - 2026.11

Purpose of the residency

My residency at TOKAS will focus on the early research and development of a new 16mm moving-image work centred on the jellyfish as a figure through which to explore ecology, technology, and queer politics. Working between Tokyo and research sites across Japan, I will investigate scientific, cultural, and mythological perspectives on jellyfish through archival research, field visits, and dialogue with researchers and cultural organisations.

The residency will provide the time and context to experiment with new working methods, deepen my engagement with Japan, and develop the foundations of a new body of work.

Plan during the residency

• Kyoto Aquarium (Kyoto) – Research into jellyfish breeding, husbandry, exhibition design, and public engagement with marine life.
  
• Kamo Aquarium (Tsuruoka, Yamagata) – Observation of one of the world's largest jellyfish collections and its dedicated jellyfish research programme.
• National Museum of Nature and Science (Tokyo) – Research into marine biology collections, natural history, and scientific interpretation of ocean ecosystems.
  
• Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Kyoto University (Shirahama, Wakayama) – Research visit to meet Dr. Shin Kubota, whose pioneering work on Turritopsis dohrnii (the "immortal" jellyfish) has shaped international understanding of the species.
• University of Tokyo (Tokyo) – Meetings with marine biology researchers studying jellyfish ecology and regeneration.

Creator Information