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AR exhibition opens at botanical gardens including the Eden Project

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seeing the invisible botanical gardens

AR exhibition ‘Seeing the Invisible’ launches at global botanical gardens, including the Eden Project.

The Eden Project has opened an augmented reality (AR) exhibition called ‘Seeing the Invisible’, which is appearing at 12 botanical gardens across six countries.

Seeing the Invisible features contemporary artworks created with AR by 13 international artists, including Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau and Sarah Meyohas.

The exhibition is accessible on smartphones and tablets via the Seeing the Invisible app, which is available for iPhone and Android in the App Store and Google Play.   

“As a cultural destination set within a regenerated, natural landscape, the idea of immersing digital installations within that environment is a thrill for our visitors and, indeed, us as hosts,” said David Harland, Eden’s interim chief executive.

Art to augment botanical gardens

“To experience extraordinary digital works that enable us to view the natural world around them though a new lens will reach hearts and minds, as well as informing and educating simultaneously.”   

Seeing the Invisible is the first exhibition of its kind to be developed as a collaboration between global botanical gardens. It was instigated by the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and Outset Contemporary Art Fund.

“This exhibition allows artists who have not previously worked in AR to expand on ideas that are central to their practice in entirely new ways,” said co-curator Hadas Maor.

“In doing so, the exhibition engages a wide range of visitors with contemporary artworks, including a number that address critical issues around the environment, through this exciting new medium.” 

Eden Project gets ‘invisible’ art

“Coming out of the pandemic when outdoor experiences and nature have taken on a new meaning and gravity in our lives, this exhibition represents a fresh way for people to engage with art and nature simultaneously,” said co-curator Tal Michael Haring.  

The exhibition is available at Denver Botanic Gardens, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (South Africa), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Florida), and Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

It is also appearing at the Royal Botanical Gardens (Canada), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Cranbourne Gardens and Melbourne Gardens), San Diego Botanic Garden and Tucson Botanical Gardens.

“It is a great privilege to host artworks by world-renowned artists in collaboration with a global network of partner gardens – allowing us all to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things,” Harland added.  

Images: Seeing the Invisible

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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