Vision
In the spring of 2023, artist Nick Dong embarked on what was initially a modest goal: to reinterpret the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism through contemporary art, technology, and craft. But by summer, the scope of the project expanded dramatically, spurred by a vivid dream and a profound sense of calling. The symbols were no longer fixed endpoints; they became entryways into a larger, interconnected cosmology.
From that moment, Auspicious 88 was born. A multi-year, cross-continental artistic endeavor comprising 88 immersive artworks that blend sculpture, sound, light, and kinetic movement. Each piece stands on its own as a complete, deeply crafted experience, while also contributing to a greater spiritual and artistic arc. Together, they form a living body of work that invites viewers into moments of introspection, transformation, and interconnectedness.
Rooted in Dong’s dual heritage and the philosophical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and Confucian thought, Auspicious 88 is more than a collection of artworks—it is a meditative journey. It traces an artist’s evolution across time, age, and practice. It speaks to impermanence, desire, rebirth, ego, and enlightenment. And it creates a space where ancient symbology meets the immersive tools of today: engineering, sensor-based interactivity, ambient soundscapes, and mirrored infinity.
The first eleven works premiered in 2024, split between Taipei and San Francisco, two cities that echo Dong’s personal and cultural identity. These openings marked the emergence of a vision that stretches beyond borders, formats, and disciplines. Auspicious 88 continues to evolve, with new works debuting each year until its full expression is unveiled on August 11, 2028.
This is not simply an exhibition. It is an experience designed to uplift, expand, and illuminate. A spiritual architecture for our time.