What comes to mind when you hear the word 'meditation' in the midst of a busy life? Most likely, many envision a quiet corner of a room, eyes closed, sitting cross-legged while counting breaths. However, for beginners, it is not that easy. Concentration is difficult, distracting thoughts arise, and before even 10 minutes pass, legs start to feel numb. How many of us have had the experience of giving up, thinking, "I guess I'm not cut out for meditation"?
But what if you could meditate with your eyes open? What if, while following the breath of a cute puppy along with beautiful media art visuals, your mind gradually becomes calm? The 'Visual Meditation' introduced by the media art company CUZ starts from this very question, presenting a new form of meditation.
The World's First Visual Meditation Platform on Samsung Smart TV
CUZ's visual meditation content was recently launched on Samsung Electronics' smart TV, marking a fresh shock to the global wellness market. Beyond just a simple app release, it boldly declared its presence to the world through the Times Square billboard in the heart of Manhattan, New York. The irony of discussing 'meditation'—a state of calm—in the busiest and noisiest place in the world. This paradoxical moment strangely aligns with the identity of Visual Meditation.
This service, provided through the 'Daily+' lifestyle category of Samsung Smart TV, takes a distinctly different approach from existing meditation apps. Instead of closing your eyes and turning inward, you open your eyes and immerse yourself in the flow of visual art and sound. Designed to allow you to naturally regulate your breath and clear your mind as if appreciating artwork in a gallery, it transforms the living room TV into a space for relaxation.
Meditation with a Puppy, Comfort of Interactive Art
The most unique aspect of Visual Meditation is the 'Interactive Breathing Matching System.' Friendly animals like puppies, kittens, and otters appear on the screen and breathe along with you. Users simply need to follow the rhythm of the animal's breath. No need to know complex breathing techniques or meditation theories. As you watch the puppy on screen slowly inhale and exhale, you naturally synchronize your breath, leading to a calming experience.
Visual art and music are added to this experience. Abstract media art visuals change organically in sync with the flow of breath, while ambient sounds fill the space. It feels less like meditation and more like appreciating a work of art. Thus, even beginners or those who have failed at meditation can approach it without pressure.
Currently, four pieces of content can be experienced for free, and subscribers can access over 28 types of visual meditation content updated monthly. The variety of themes, moods, and breathing patterns allows users to choose according to their emotional state each day, which is also appealing.
The Future of Wellness Created by the Fusion of Art and Technology
Jin Shil, the representative and art director of CUZ, stated, "This Times Square advertisement is a symbolic moment presenting new possibilities for meditation through the fusion of art and technology to the world." As he said, Visual Meditation is not just a simple meditation app; it is a new lifestyle proposal that combines the art genre of media art with the contemporary theme of digital wellness.
Particularly noteworthy is the future expansion plan. CUZ has announced its vision to expand services to various devices, including smartwatches and mobile devices, starting with smart TVs, creating an ecosystem where visual meditation can be experienced anywhere in daily life. Whether on the subway during the commute, in the office during lunch, or in bed before sleep, investing just three minutes can help organize your mind through artistic meditation.
A Global Wellness Map Drawn by a Korean Media Art Company
CUZ plans to use this collaboration with Samsung Electronics as a stepping stone for gradual entry into major markets such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Amid the explosive increase in global interest in mental health and digital wellness following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is significant that a Korean company is targeting the global market with a unique approach through media art.
In fact, the global digital health market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 20% by 2025, with the meditation and mindfulness app market showing rapid expansion. However, while most meditation apps focus on audio guidance, Visual Meditation enters the market with the differentiated weapon of visual art. This is expected to be a strong appeal point for the MZ generation and Alpha generation, who love art and value aesthetic experiences.
Democratizing Meditation, A Gift of Everyday Life from Art
Ultimately, the message that Visual Meditation conveys is clear. Meditation is not the exclusive domain of special people, nor is it a difficult or burdensome practice. With beautiful visuals, music, and cute animal friends, anyone can easily and naturally find a moment of peace.
The image of a puppy calmly breathing on the dazzling billboard in Times Square feels like a small invitation to all of us.
To pause for a moment,
to gather your breath,
and to look within for calm.
And that journey can be more
beautiful and comfortable than you think.
Innovative Company CUZ Created by Artists and Developers
CUZ is a creative media art group composed of artists and developers. They offer special stories and experiences centered around immersive media content, CG/VFX animation, and media art exhibitions. Through the operation of their own lab, they continuously validate ideas and research and develop content incorporating new technologies such as AR, VR, and computer vision.
They have collaborated with global brands such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, CJ CGV, Lotte World, Mercedes-Benz, and Gentle Monster, supplying the WAA platform to various spaces such as hotel lobbies, offices, and exhibition halls.
They have won the 'iF Design Award,' one of the world's top three design awards, for three consecutive years since 2022, and have also been recognized in the 'Asia Design Prize,' the largest international design competition in Asia, from 2022 to 2024, enhancing Korea's status.
CUZ's goal is to deliver artistic inspiration in a more accessible and friendly form to the public through media art at the intersection of art and technology.
The era of visual meditation opened by the media art company CUZ. I am curious to see how much comfort this new experience, created by the fusion of art, technology, and wellness, will bring to many people in their daily lives.
