rebels with a heart
questioners of social taboos
creators of freedom & form
rendering visible that which has been hidden
walking with curiosity on the periphery of surrealism and naturalism
casting shadows and light unto each other
fostering new ways of seeing + relating
practicing peace
Double Being is the artist duo of Marisa Papen (1992) and Michael Chichi (1969). Their work bridges photography, poetry, film, publication, design & music — exploring themes of interbeing, naturalism, universal sovereignty, body freedom & peace. They create imagery as mantras, provoking contemplation and liberation.
In 2020 they founded the non-profit ‘Earth Family’ and published a book of the same name in the form of an illustrated poem. In early 2021, they created ‘Flower of Life’, a statement to restore our interpretation of the vagina, revealing her in the light of high-fidelity and elegance. They minted it in March 2021, making it the first ever nft of a vagina. Inspired to delve deeper into her layers, they curated & commissioned 13 artists to offer their interpretation of 'Flower of Life', publishing both a series of art prints and book/manifesto. During the summer of 2022, Double Being produced & art directed the cover of Playboy magazine, with their work - 'If only I would be a Flower'. Garnering international praise as the first vagina in history on the cover of the magazine. Also in 2022, they participated in a group show in Bangkok ‘The New Ark’. Exhibiting their project ‘Flow of Life’ — a multidisciplinary expression inspired by the menstrual cycle and the story of womanhood. Together with Michelin star chef, Clément Hernandez, they organized an immersive art dinner at his restaurant, Workshop in Bangkok. It was a collaborative fusion of art and fine dining, pairing plant-based French cuisine with live performance/poetry, visuals and curated music. In 2023, their 15 min short film, 'Flow of Life', won an award for best women’s short, and was selected for multiple film festivals.
Double Being is currently preparing for their first exhibition in the USA at Art Basel Miami.
we are vessels for healing
allowing generational human trauma
to arise between us
and because we are such clear mirrors
to each other,
we can see the wound for the wound
and the spirit for the spirit
we admit our wrong views and start the work
through the gate of simultaneous presence
we endlessly discover our double being
