sanctuary of dreams, a cinematic monument to imagination
The Sanctuary of Dreams is a multi-sensory, participatory installation rooted in African philosophies of cyclical time and ancestral memory. On view as part of Plásmata 3 | We’ve met before, haven’t we? in Athens, curated by Onassis Stegi, the project by Toguna World and Pierre-Christophe Gam combines immersive film, ritual design, and speculative storytelling to explore the question: What future does Africa dream of?
Inside an ethereal inflatable structure inspired by nomadic desert tents, visitors remove their shoes and enter a contemplative space. Here, a 44-minute art film unfolds across three screens, blending experimental animation, soundscapes, collage, and archival textures. The atmosphere is meditative and sacred, transcending linear time and inviting participants to reflect on how we might eat, play, pray, dream, and love in a future reimagined through collective dreaming.
all images courtesy of Toguna World
Toguna World houses collective dreaming in an ethereal temple
Following the screening, a guided reflection and storytelling circle allow participants to voice their visions for the future. These responses are archived as part of The Global Mapping of Dreams, a continent-wide research initiative spanning Africa and the diaspora. Developed by artist Pierre-Christophe Gam’s Toguna World during a fellowship at the MIT Open Documentary Lab and the European Digital deal, in residency at Onassis Stegi, in Athens, and first presented at Ars Electronica, The Sanctuary of Dreams transforms artistic experience into a civic ritual for reclaiming the future. The pavilion features a metal frame (6m x 6m x 4m), dimmable ambient lighting and scent diffusion system, floor seating on modular cushions, a large screen with spatial audio, and voice-guided participation via the artist’s avatar.
children gather inside the dream temple, watching and engaging with visions of imagined African futures
a hypnotic film unfolds, blending collage, sound, and symbolism into a cinematic ritual of reflection and foresight
the structure features five dream pillars, each representing a fundamental human theme
the temple’s entrance invites public into an immersive space for collective visioning and ritual storytelling
the angled view of the sanctuary reveals the vibrant dream iconography and film screen
colorful iconography and layered thresholds create a transition from physical space into spiritual reflection
still from the immersive film: speculative collage exploring ancestral wisdom
artwork detail: African cosmogony meets digital myth-making
project info:
name: The Sanctuary of Dreams
designer: Pierre-Christophe Gam | @pierre.christophe.gam – Toguna World | @togunaworld
exhibition: Plásmata 3 | We’ve met before, haven’t we?
curation: Onassis Stegi | @onassis.stegi
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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