Lu Yang, a Shanghai-born multimedia artist, integrates Buddhist philosophy into her work, aiming to disseminate Dharma teachings through cutting-edge digital media. Her creations explore reincarnation, the illusory nature of reality, and the intersections of neuroscience and spirituality. In her animated short Material World Knight Game Film (2020), she examines the (un)reality of the material world, aligning with and diverging from traditional Buddhist views. This thematic exploration extends into her DOKU series, where she constructs hyperreal virtual avatars that embody different realms of existence, merging Buddhist reincarnation concepts with digital identity.

Her work has been featured at the Rubin Museum of Art’s Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now exhibition, where Binary Wheel reinterprets the Buddhist Wheel of Life, emphasizing interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of existence. By incorporating her virtual avatar, DOKU, into these Buddhist frameworks, she presents complex spiritual ideas in an accessible and visually striking manner. Lu Yang’s ability to blend tradition with innovation has positioned her at the forefront of contemporary media art, earning her accolades such as Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year and the BMW Art Journey Prize.

Recent exhibitions, including DOKU The Flow at Fondation Louis Vuitton and DOKU: Digital Reincarnation in Times Square, further expand her engagement with Buddhist philosophy in a digital context. By bridging ancient teachings with contemporary technology, Lu Yang challenges audiences to reconsider the nature of consciousness and existence, making Buddhist thought relevant in an era defined by artificial intelligence and virtual reality.