Louis Vuitton Unveils Lu Yang’s Cybernetic 'DOKU The Illusion' in Venice
The installation mixes AI visuals, Buddhist themes and gaming-inspired worlds.
Summary
- Lu Yang debuts the latest DOKU chapter at Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia during the 2026 Venice Biennale
- The installation mixes AI visuals, Buddhist themes and gaming-inspired worlds through film, sculpture and immersive environments
Chinese artist Lu Yang is bringing the latest chapter of the DOKU universe to Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia during the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia. Titled DOKU The Illusion, the exhibition expands the artist’s ongoing digital avatar series centered around DOKU, a virtual character modeled after Lu Yang’s own face.
The installation transforms the Venice space into a cybernetic sanctuary featuring sculptures, mirrored surfaces and a monumental LED screen showing the new film, which blends live-action footage with AI-generated imagery shot across Japan’s Izu Peninsula. Visitors are also met with Buddha sculptures holding the wheel of life, tying the work back to Lu Yang’s ongoing interest in Buddhist philosophy and cycles of existence.
While Lu Yang’s work often pulls from anime, manga and video games, those references operate more as a visual language than straightforward pop culture homage. Across the “DOKU” series, the artist uses digital environments and hyperreal avatars to question ideas surrounding identity, consciousness and what it means to exist in increasingly virtual spaces.
The exhibition arrives as part of the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s Hors-les-murs program, which stages projects across its global Espaces Louis Vuitton locations. Coinciding with this year’s Venice Biennale, DOKU The Illusion continues Lu Yang’s ongoing exploration of technology, spirituality and digital reincarnation through immersive installation and film.
Espace Louis Vuitton
Calle del Ridotto, 1351
30124 Venezia
VE, Italy
