In the narrow calli of Venice, an avatar races on a red vehicle, Buddha holds the wheel of life, all while a melodic blend of hip-hop, piano, and traditional music fills the air. Unveiled alongside La Biennale di Venezia, Louis Vuitton presents DOKU The Illusion, an immersive exhibition by Chinese artist Lu Yang.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Espaces Louis Vuitton and the 10th anniversary of the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s Hors-les-murs programme, DOKU The Illusion is another step in the Fondation’s mission to highlight contemporary art for a global audience. 

Yang, notable for his AI-generated videos, sculptures, and multimedia installations, presents the fourth chapter in his DOKU series. Displayed on LED screens, the new film features a digital avatar based on the artist's own face, embarking on solitary adventures that transcend human physical abilities, unleashing a new form of freedom through digital reincarnation.

The installation at Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia creates a futuristic sanctuary, with mirrored ceilings that reflect the Venetian floors. Visitors begin their journey welcomed by two Buddha statues holding the wheel of life, becoming integrated into the artwork as their silhouettes merge with the environment, echoing the 61st Biennale’s theme, IN MINOR KEYS.

Now based in Tokyo, the internationally acclaimed Lu Yang continues to captivate audiences through his unique blend of computer-generated imagery and performance. DOKU The Illusion is open to the public from May 8 through October 4, 2026, allowing visitors to experience the dynamic relationship between art, technology, and burgeoning freedom.