The North American debut of Sensory Oversoul

An exhibition that invites us to feel that which connects us

Keiken (経験), meaning “experience” in Japanese, is an artist collective established in 2015. Through speculative worldbuilding and embodied storytelling, they blend science fiction, consciousness research, and philosophy with cutting-edge technology, gaming, and interactive performance—creating experiences where the digital and physical merge, and where you step inside alternative realities. Based in London and Berlin, Keiken received the inaugural CHANEL Next Prize in 2021 and the Lumen Prize – BCS Award in 2024. The collective is currently in residence at Somerset House in London.

In this North American debut, the exhibition Sensory Oversoul features two major installation works presented together for the first time.

With Spirit Systems of Soft Knowing ༊·˚ (2024), you are invited to enter an immersive and participatory installation that explores empathetic connection with animals and nature. In a multi-sensory environment, you can lie down on a seed-pod shaped bed. A “haptic wearable womb” (an embodiment sound and touch-led technology developed and created by Keiken) will then be placed on your abdomen, becoming an artificial extension of your body. You will also receive headphones that are connected to the vibratory sensations of the womb, immersing you in sounds that shift between underwater mammals, sandstorms, and space. This six-minute experience seeks to tune you in to a non-verbal connection with different forms of existence that may not even be attainable on a verbal or intellectual level.

In the adjacent room, Morphogenic Angels: Chapter 1 (2023) is an immersive video game installation with CGI film, presented in a landscape of black sand and dried flowers. Here, you are transported into an ambiguous future, the story follows Yaxu, a newly evolved Morphogenic Angel, who awakens in a speculative environment atop a snowy mountain. Players take on the role of Yaxu, who attempts to remember who they are as they navigate the world. Guided by Anamt’u’ul, a mysterious and spiritual companion, Yaxu is introduced to a mystical game designed to teach compassion and connection to the unseen. You may choose to play (one at a time), to relax and watch others play, or view the game be played out as a film. A further “worldbuilding” room offers insight into Keiken’s practice, the Morphogenic Angels characters, game engine information, and more, all within an otherworldly setting designed by the artists and inspired by the game.

The word “oversoul” refers to the spiritual unity of all beings. With Sensory Oversoul, Keiken engages your senses, as collaborators in their exploration of the nature and future of consciousness.

For opening hours, and to purchase your tickets, visit: www.phi.ca

Until March 8, 2026
PHI
465 Saint-Jean Street
Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2R6