Towards Re-Enchantment

In 2008, a new edition of Oxford Junior Dictionary, designed for kids of ages between 7 and 9, removed a number of basic “nature words” like almond, blackberry and crocus and replaced them with the words like database, voicemail and bullet point. As the words of nature are slowly being replaced by the words of technology, a profound loss of nature literacy is being experienced. We’re losing the kind of language that enchants our imagination and nurtures our relationship with nature and landscape. In the process, we grow up to be technocrats deprived of awe and wonder.

Photo credit: Yu-Xian-Yang.

Inspired by an expedition to the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, this multi-sensory, immersive environment is an invitation to rediscover the magic of nature and engage with a child-like sense of wonder. I used real-time graphics and bioluminescent algae called dinoflagellates that I grew in the lab over the course of a few weeks to create a rarely observed phenomenon of bioluminescent waves. While working on the piece, I was interested in investigating the principals of symbiotic relationship between nature and technology. When technology rejects its hunger for visitors’ attention, input, or data, a certain poetry emerges in how technology engages with the natural world. Here, the technology is not eager to serve content or entertain, it’s not in competition with the natural world, but rather a mindful participant and co-creator.

Empirical scientific research has demonstrated that exposure to nature helps improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and provides one with opportunities of discovery, creativity, and rumination. By blending the border between biology and technology, I was able to transform the gallery space into a tranquil and healing nature refuge. Similar to forest bathing, the ocean and the pink noise of the waves reset our parasympathetic nervous system to a deeper, calmer state. If you’re unfamiliar with the pink noise, it is the most common noise in biological systems. It contains all frequencies that a human can hear, but the low frequencies are more prominent. It creates a more even, flat sound, like a steady rain, wind rustling through trees, or waves on a beach. It is quite different from the white noise which represents all frequencies equally and commonly heard in technology like static signal of a TV or fan noise. In the extreme urban environments, the opportunities for nature moments have become increasingly rare. Toward re-enchantment seeks ways to intervene with the trend and propagate the landscapes with sanctuaries and magical encounters.

Besides a magical aesthetic experience, bioluminescent algae is one of our the best allies in response to climate change. The oceans' algae is very effective in sequestering atmospheric carbon. Algae is 400 times more efficient than a tree at removing CO2 from the atmosphere as it has a high density, can cover more surface area and grow faster while producing more biomass in a limited space.

Towards Re-enchantment