Parallel Universe

Art Installation @ Kew Wakehurst

Artist

A floating dome is suspended in the air along the meandering path at Wakehurst. The sculpture's height is above our eye level; we slightly crouch and enter under the dome. Inside, we see a collage of botanical plant drawings printed on the fabric's surface. When the UV light is on, it lights up the botanical illustrations with distinctive ultraviolet colour patterns, like how the bees see the world. The duality of the piece highlights the fascinating diversity within the biosphere. 

A collage of botanical plants is printed on the fabric inside the dome, embracing the botanical plants drawing collection at Kew and symmetrically arranging them. Along the main circular frame of the dome, two light sources are embedded: a programmable white LED strip and an ultra-violet (black light) strip. When the UV light is on, it lights up the invisible glow ink painted on top of the printed fabric, revealing the secret patterns on flowers only visible to bees. 

Artist: Ruby Law @ RULA | Fabrication Partner: Particle Studio