A DIGITAL GARDEN ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION.
GHOSTS OF PLANTS, BORN FROM AI, UNRAVEL WITH EVERY STEP YOU TAKE.
WATCH THEM FADE — OR HELP THEM VANISH.
fading bloom - an interactive installation exploring plant extinction.
fading bloom is an interactive media installation that explores the tension between human presence and natural fragility. Inspired by the theme of the Stone Age (Lucid Dreams Festival, St. Pölten), the project speculates on the appearance of prehistoric plants that no longer exist and were never visually documented. Their speculative reconstruction becomes a creative field for experimentation with AI-generated imagery and digital transformation.
The work highlights the contrast between ancient natural extinction and the current, human-caused disappearance of plant species. As visitors approach the installation, the digital plants—composed of shimmering particles—gradually distort. This transformation serves as a visual metaphor for how human proximity can disturb fragile ecosystems. The core message: observe nature, don’t interfere.
INTERACTION AND TECHNOLOGY
The visuals are generated in TouchDesigner, using particlesGPU driven by Kinectbased motion tracking (depth data and optical flow). The installation consists of four screens, each showing a di erent particle simulation based on an AI-generated image of a prehistoric plant. Subtle or dramatic shifts occur depending on visitor movement, yet the plant forms never return to their original state—mirroring irreversible ecological change.
AESTHETIC AND VISUAL DESIGN
The visual aesthetic is neo-futuristic, with organic shapes and textures evoking glass, soft glow, and reflective materials. The installation features 12 different plants with 4 variations each, interpreted and abstracted by AI. Their appearance is ambiguous—beautiful but uncanny—and designed to invite quiet reflection. The particle-based rendering gives the illusion of a 3D presence, yet everything remains intangible, fragile, and ephemeral.
SOUND AND ATMOSPHERE
The installation includes a custom atmospheric soundscape composed by Daniel Leber (@ever.sonder), played via stereo speakers near the setup. The audio blends naturalistic tones with synthetic ambiences, enhancing the immersive quality and supporting the speculative narrative of the visuals.
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- Concept, design & programming: Vanessa Riedmüller
- Sound design: Daniel Leber (@ever.sonder)
- Technical support & mentorship: FH St. Pölten – Masterclass Experimental Media
- Funding: scholarship by FH St. Pölten
