The Travels of Mariko Horo, a collection by Tamiko Thiel, is a mesmerizing blend of virtual reality, historical architecture, and folklore. Both artworks in the collection invite viewers into a surreal, underwater interpretation of Venice, where Eastern and Western iconography collide and coalesce. Thiel's innovative use of machinima transforms the Piazza San Marco and its surrounding landmarks into a fantastical aquatic world. Here, traditional Japanese tales like Urashima Tarō intermingle with iconic Venetian imagery, reimagined through a lens of vibrant digital art. The collection stands as a testament to Thiel's prowess in creating immersive, culturally rich environments that defy the boundaries between the real and the imagined.