Waldwandel/Forest Flux

Waldwandel/​Forest Flux is an augmented reality instal­la­tion that transforms complex data on forest ecology into an immersive and emotional experience, revealing the invisible trans­for­ma­tions of our forests in the face of climate change.

This innovative creation, a col­lab­o­ra­tion between Tamiko Thiel and artist /​p, invites viewers to observe the complex interaction between global warming, species adaptation, and ecosystem resilience in European spruce forests. Through augmented reality, the instal­la­tion makes processes generally invisible to the human eye perceptible: the progressive decline of trees, the emergence of new species, and the meta­mor­pho­sis of forest communities across different time scales.

Visitors can navigate through various ecological scenarios, exploring possible futures for our forests according to different climate tra­jec­to­ries. This multi-temporal approach creates what might be called ​“embodied data experiences” – encounters that simul­ta­ne­ous­ly engage both intellect and senses in under­stand­ing complex environmental systems.

Tamiko Thiel’s work represents a unique convergence of technical expertise and artistic vision. Drawing on her pioneering experience in designing the Connection Machine CM‑1/CM‑2 super­com­put­er for Thinking Machines Corporation (1986 – 1987), she has developed innovative approaches to making the complex systems that shape our world accessible to the public.

What dis­tin­guish­es Thiel’s approach is her ability to maintain scientific rigor while creating emotionally resonant experiences. Her instal­la­tions combine multiple layers of data – from climate projections to species dis­tri­b­u­tion models – within intuitive visual narratives, allowing viewers not only to intel­lec­tu­al­ly understand envi­ron­men­tal trans­for­ma­tions but also to experience them viscerally.

Through Waldwandel/​Forest Flux, Thiel and /​p demonstrate how artistic practice can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public under­stand­ing, offering new pos­si­bil­i­ties for making ecological systems not only visible but also com­pre­hen­si­ble and emotionally meaningful.

Tamiko Thiel & /​p, Waldwandel/​Forest Flux (2023) is presented as part of the exhibition Hybrid Futures: Rhizomes, Meshworks & Alter-Ecologies, organised and produced by Elektron.
This pre­sen­ta­tion is also part of the programme for the European Month of Photography Luxembourg festival.

Curators: Vincent Crapon & Françoise Poos.

Waldwandel/​Forest Flux was originally com­mis­sioned by Kunsthalle Munich, Biotopia Lab and Bavarian State Forest Enterprise. Sponsored by grants from Bavarian State Forest Enterprise, and from Sundance Institute Inter­dis­ci­pli­nary Program with support from Unity Charitable Fund/​Tides Foundation.