Imagine owning a piece of the universe – a sonic snapshot of the cosmos, captured on vinyl. That's exactly what The Vinyl Factory is offering with the release of Ryoji Ikeda's data-cosm [n°1] soundtrack. This isn't just any record; it's a tangible piece of an immersive art installation that explores the very fabric of reality.
The Vinyl Factory has officially announced that data-cosm [n°1], the audio accompaniment to Ryoji Ikeda's mesmerizing installation currently housed at 180 Studios, is now available on vinyl. You can pre-order your copy here: [link to pre-order].
Commissioned and brought to life by 180 Studios, Ikeda's site-specific audio-visual installation is a deep dive into the vast spectrum of data found in nature. Think of it as a journey from the infinitesimally small world of particle physics all the way to the grand scale of astrophysics. It’s a truly unique and immersive experience.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Some might argue that reducing such a complex and immersive experience to a vinyl record diminishes the original artwork's impact. What do you think? Can a vinyl record truly capture the essence of a large-scale audio-visual installation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Building upon the groundwork laid by Ikeda's acclaimed data-verse trilogy – a series of works renowned for translating intricate scientific data into captivating sound and image – data-cosm [n°1] represents another step in his ongoing exploration of the fascinating intersection between art and science. It's a testament to how seemingly disparate fields can inform and enrich one another.
Ikeda has carved out a unique niche for himself with his extreme, minimalist approach to sound. He meticulously orchestrates sound, visuals, materials, physical phenomena, and even mathematical concepts into immersive live performances and installations. He's celebrated both as a composer, with albums like +/- and Dataplex under his belt, and as an installation artist, known for works like test pattern [link to test pattern] and supersymmetry [link to supersymmetry]. His influence spans both visual and sonic media. And this is the part most people miss: Ikeda doesn't just create art; he creates experiences that challenge our perception of reality.
This limited-edition vinyl release, capped at just 1000 copies worldwide, features Ikeda's 17-minute soundtrack. The record itself is pressed on 180gm heavyweight black vinyl and comes packaged in a die-cut outer sleeve with a full-color inner sleeve, showcasing artwork by Ikeda directly inspired by the installation. It's a collector's item, a piece of art in its own right.
The Vinyl Factory and 180 Studios have a long and fruitful history of collaboration with Ikeda, dating back to 2015 when The Vinyl Factory hosted the UK premiere of Ikeda's audio-visual installation supersymmetry at Brewer Street Car Park in Soho, London. Subsequently, in 2017, 180 Studios exhibited Ikeda's iconic interactive work test pattern at 180 The Strand, drawing over 100,000 visitors.
Four years later, 180 Studios commissioned and produced Ikeda's largest European exhibition to date, showcasing over 10 artworks across two floors of the building. This event, hailed by critics and attracting record-breaking crowds, cemented Ikeda's status as a leading figure in immersive art.
In his own words, Ikeda describes data-cosm [n°1] as "a composition, like a song. I compose sound into music, and I compose pixels and light into video." He sees the creation of these immersive experiences as a form of musical expression, using visual and auditory elements to create a cohesive and engaging whole.
Pre-order your copy of data-cosm [n°1] now [link to pre-order] and bring a piece of Ryoji Ikeda's sonic universe into your home.
Published on December 3, 2025, in the Features category. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on cutting-edge art and music! What are your favorite Ryoji Ikeda works? Do you think data can be art? Share your opinions in the comments below!