2024 OFFICIAL SELECTION OF THE 'URBAN TREES' EXHIBITION. Medicine Hat Canada
Concept: "Space Among the Leaves" is an interactive digital art piece that invites viewers to immerse themselves in a tranquil, natural environment. Inspired by the tradition of readymade art and the artist's personal experiences, the work incorporates real leaves collected during morning walks, symbolizing moments of mental peace and connection with nature.
Description: As viewers interact with the digital interface, they are transported to a virtual forest filled with vibrant, swirling leaves. Each leaf is a unique specimen collected by the artist during their daily walks, imbued with the energy and serenity of those moments. The leaves respond to the viewer's movements, gently rustling and swirling as if caught in a gentle breeze.
Inspiration: The concept is born from the artist's appreciation for readymade art and their daily ritual of collecting leaves during morning walks. These walks serve as a source of mental peace and connection with nature, offering moments of release and delight amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Narrative: The sudden interruption of a neighbour's leaf blower serves as a jarring reminder of the modern world's intrusion on nature's quiet beauty, prompting reflection on the importance of finding moments of connection and peace in our daily lives.
Interactive Elements: Participants can use hand gestures to control a virtual leaf blower that moves about the screen. The speed and intensity of their hand movements directly influence the behaviour of the blower: the faster they move their hand, the louder and more intense the droning of the blower becomes. This interactive element adds a dynamic layer to the artwork, inviting participants to physically engage with the concept of urban intrusion on natural tranquility.
Message: "Space Among the Leaves" seeks to remind viewers of the restorative power of nature and the importance of finding moments of release, delight, and ease in our busy lives. By immersing themselves in the virtual forest, viewers are invited to reconnect with the natural world and experience a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of modernity.
