Anthropause
An Interactive Forest
Challenge
Our reliance on biodiversity is extensive, from bees for pollination and algae for CO2 capture to tiny microorganisms for medicine and even digestion within our bodies. But, our urban centers continue to expand and purge the world of wildlife. Human activity has imposed Irreversible harm upon the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems. It's no wonder that birds, deer, and rabbits run away with fear in our presence. Being with nature takes practice, one must learn to be quiet, calm, and patient. It is a meditative experience that we often do not have time for in our loud and busy urban lives. How do we design an art installation that speaks to this?
Overview
'Anthropause' is an interactive art installation on biodiversity loss and the urgent need for coexistence. ‘Anthropause’ paints a beautiful picture of a forest humming with life. However, the moment human presence is detected, the forest falls silent and dark. The artwork prompts contemplation on how we might be perceived as predators, driving wildlife into hiding. The experience asks us to pause and think about our behavior. Only when the audience remains quiet and still does the forest slowly come back to life, resuming its natural activity. The longer someone were to stay the more they would see. Fireflies, butterflies, and hummingbirds appear with time. This piece is also an ode to the weird and wonderful critters that play a major role in maintaining these natural ecosystems. The forest in this piece is home to several flora, fauna, and fungi including the 'Luna Moth', 'Leaf Insect', 'Giant Snail', 'Hydnora', 'Sundews', and the Bleeding Mycena creatures you might not have seen before! A lantern is placed on the floor and lifting this lantern reveals more creatures hiding in the dark, encouraging viewers to be curious and want to learn more about natural ecosystems.
