Daito Manabe
Artist, programmer, and Composer
Born in Tokyo in 1976, Daito Manabe grew up in a musical family and was immersed in both music and programming from an early age. After his experiences as a DJ and a member of a jazz band, he studied mathematics at Tokyo University of Science, where his encounter with the ideas of composer Iannis Xenakis inspired him to explore mathematical approaches to music generation. This became the foundation of his later creative work.
In 2006, he founded Rhizomatiks. Drawing on his background in mathematics and music, Manabe has pursued the fusion of technology, visual media, and physical expression. His projects range from the AR presentation at the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics to numerous other groundbreaking works. He has collaborated with artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Nosaj Thing, Squarepusher, Arca, OK Go, Grimes, Holly, Machinedrum, FaltyDL, and Perfume. His distinctive audiovisual performances have been presented at international festivals including Sonar Barcelona, MUTEK, TodaysArt, and Dekmantel.
In recent years, Manabe has been developing works that explore the intersection of life and machine through collaborations with neuroscientists, including projects involving biofeedback systems using cultured neural cells. Together with Sinan Bokesoy, he co-founded Sonic Planet LTD. in London, where they develop and apply experimental software and plugins for generative audio. He also leads Studio Daito Manabe, continuing to create works that traverse art, technology, and science.