You can engage with the interactive artwork Origins of Imagination at Naturalis. Visitors who scan a butterfly drawing they've colored themselves can watch as an AI transforms it into a realistic, moving butterfly. All the butterflies join together, flying in swarms on a large screen.
In Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands, a unique experience awaits, it hosts the artwork Origins of Imagination by British artist Dominic Harris. Or rather, by Dominic Harris and thousands of Naturalis’ museum visitors. Everyone can join in: you color a butterfly and have it scanned by the artwork. Then the butterfly is "brought to life": the scanned drawing transforms into a realistic-looking butterfly, joining the others fluttering around on the 6 by 2-meter screen.
Harris says, “This constantly evolving artwork is a celebration of how imagination can transform things. It mirrors the principles of evolution: each new contribution changes the collective artwork. Through co-creation in this living digital ecosystem, we’re not only exploring the boundaries of human creativity but also underscoring the importance of preserving nature’s delicate balance.”
The artificial intelligence aiding the transformation of the butterflies has been trained on specimens from the extensive butterfly collection at Naturalis. In this way, art, science, technology, and nature come together in one work. A part of this artwork can also be viewed at home: visitors can take their drawing with them and use a QR code to find their own butterfly online.
Origins of Imagination is on long-term loan from the Moveo Art Collection, a private art collection that initiated this project. “We aim to introduce people to the works of talented artists in a playful and accessible way,” explains curator Marlous Voshol. “These are often impressive, surprising works with an unexpected twist – like this one. By connecting Dominic Harris with Naturalis, we created an innovative and interactive artwork. Inviting everyone to bring their own butterfly to life will undoubtedly appeal to visitors of all ages.”
Exhibiton Dates: The artwork will be on display for several years in the freely accessible LiveScience hall on the ground floor of the museum.
Main Image: Courtesy Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Halcyon Gallery, and the Moveo Art Collection
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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