'Apocalypse beach'

       Participants step inside the entrance to this experience and, the first thing they see is a long man-made corridor, formed by hundreds of bags of cement mix stacked to the ceiling. The cognoscenti will perhaps understand the reference to the fact that cement constitutes the third largest pollution source on earth, literally leading us down a path we cannot sustain. Upon further inspection, the path itself is lined with thousands of black river rocks, bringing an unadulterated natural element into the semi-darkened corridor. Small spot lights will accentuate the rock forms through the use of shadow and highlight. These black rocks also serve as a visual reference to the mega-corporation, Blackrock, a leading investor in deforestation and commodity crops. Participants will walk across and around these rocks as they are lead down the cement-filled hallway to a single painted orange tree, framed within a doorway. 

     The single orange tree, the hall’s main focal point, is both celebratory and foreboding. It is perhaps the last tree we see if we continue to abuse the earth. It is also a direct visual link to my mother’s childhood growing up amongst the, now mostly defunct, orange groves of Anaheim, CA. The fruiting tree is also a metaphor for the bounty of nature and the sustenance we receive from it. Nature should always be at the center of viewers’ perception. The entire experience will not only be thought provoking artistically and visually stunning, but will also be a reminder of our choices and their future impacts. 

     Upon entering the large exhibition space, participants are greeted by a striking arrangement of several dead or broken tree trunks, perhaps stoic Redwoods or majestic Pines. This forest will also feature “virtual vistas,” constructed through the use of digital projection and projection mapping. These signature vistas will be brought to life with embellished images and videos of gorgeous natural scenes and awe-inspiring organic moments: the sunset over the pristine sea or birds flying through a mangrove forest. To accompany the installed trees and projected images, there will also be immersive sounds. Birds chirping, trees humming in the wind, and the whirl of the chainsaw are examples of sounds participants will experience. With a 360-degree sensory environment, the viewer is further engrossed in this world. Further sensory twists such as scents and mists will also be possible, depending on the resources available. The scent of pristine lavender field wafts through the space, as the mist climbs from below the trees; “Big Sur!” you might think to yourself.

    While experiencing these “Virtual Vistas,” the viewer will see a very diverse range of natural imagery in a span of a few minutes. The still and video images will cycle through a random set of inputs ranging of serene and captivating landscapes. As more and more viewers enter the space, the projections react to their presence and become more haunting and destructive images of human consumption and environmental exploitation. When there are only a few humas in the room, the experience is mostly positive and beautiful. As the room's capacity is met, the imagery switches to dark images of forests burning and the sounds become haunting and poignant. The shocking reality will hopefully generate a conversation compelling the viewer to share the experience, further amplifying the exhibit’s message across social media.

     To enhance the viewing experience, the image and video projections will be presented in 4K featuring Dolby Surround sound. In addition, there will be state-of-the-art projection mapping and Augmented Reality features throughout. We aim to use the available technology in a more informed and art centric manor. Elevating all the mediums through immersive storytelling and design. 

     The physical trees that comprise the “digital forest” and the inflatable bags of concrete used in the entrance way will all be for sale individually. The physical paintings featured will also be for sale, unless marked presold by the gallery. Small sculptural works, like hand made mushrooms, small shrubs or shells, hand shaped in clay and resin, will be strategically placed throughout the exhibit. They will have small, non-obtrusive QR codes next to them to allow for purchase. All purchases will be registered on the blockchain, establishing their provenance. Items purchased will come with a digital collectible and receipt delivered upon purchase. The physical sculpture will be delivered at a later date. This is to lessen the likelihood of immediate reselling and allow for increased longevity of the exhibit. 

     A portion of the sales will be donated to 1% of the Planet. The entire endeavor from creation to transport, will be carbon neutral.   

     The question is – why do we feel such a sense of entitlement when it comes to nature? Should a tree have standing? Does a tree have the right to exist, the right not to be arbitrarily murdered? Ultimately, this poignant question remains – is nature here for us to exploit and consume at all costs? This artistically presented environment invites participants to answer these questions. Nature needs advocates. The next generation can be those advocates. Show us the way...