Artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be an instrumental force in shaping the future, and its influence extends into every corner of our lives — including the world of art. In an exciting collaboration between New Bond Street’s Halcyon, digital artist Dominic Harris, and the Moveo Art Collection, a new interactive installation is being introduced at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands. Dubbed “Origins of Imagination,” the exhibition blends art, technology, and nature, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to to co-create a continuously evolving digital collection of butterflies.
Visitors can design their own butterfly, which is then transformed by AI into a lifelike, fluttering creature within a six-by-two-meter digital space. Designed by the visitor, each butterfly is thus unique, reflecting the individual creativity of its designer. The artificial intelligence responsible for bringing the butterfly designs to life has been trained on specimens from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center’s vast butterfly collection. To enhance the experience beyond the physical space, visitors can take their own butterfly designs with them and use a QR code to track its journey online, where it becomes part of the continuously growing digital collection.
Inspired by the playful sketches by Charles Darwin’s children on his original manuscript of “On the Origin of Species”, Harris captures the wonder and innocence of personal expression. This exhibition allows both children and adults to engage with the butterfly world in a personal and imaginative way, celebrating the enduring power of creativity across generations.
The evolving digital collection is presented as three large spheres set within a seemingly infinite digital space, each covered in butterflies. These spheres embody the dynamic and multifaceted nature of colour and movement, arranged by hues, shades, and brightness.
At its core, the artwork reflects the principles of biological evolution. The butterflies’ transformations are symbolic of the processes of change, adaptation, and growth that occur in nature. Each new butterfly that is added to the collection contributes to the ongoing transformation of the artwork, ensuring it is never static — as with life itself. At its essence, the artwork embodies the principles of biological evolution. The transformation of each butterfly mirrors the processes of change, adaptation, and growth found in nature. As new butterflies are added, they contribute to the ongoing evolution of the piece, ensuring that, like life, the artwork remains in constant flux.
Dominic Harris shares, “This continuously evolving artwork celebrates the transformative power of imagination. It mirrors the principles of evolution — each new contribution reshapes the collective piece. In this living digital ecosystem, we’re not only pushing the boundaries of human creativity but also highlighting the importance of preserving nature’s delicate balance.”
A collaboration with Halcyon, “Origins of Imagination” exemplifies the company’s commitment to placing innovative works of art in museums and public spaces worldwide, enriching the lives of collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Kate Brown, creative director at Halcyon, adds, “Being part of this groundbreaking project is a privilege. Not only does it push the boundaries of digital art, but it also connects with a diverse audience, proving that art has the power to inspire everyone. Harris’s work exemplifies this belief.”
On a long-term loan from the Moveo Art Collection, “Origins of Imagination” was conceived in collaboration with Halcyon. Marlous Voshol — Curator of the Moveo Art Collection — highlights that the aim is to introduce audiences to unexpected and playful works by talented artists. She explains that this collaboration with Dominic Harris and Naturalis has resulted in a truly innovative and interactive artwork. By inviting visitors to bring their own butterflies to life, the goal is to captivate audiences of all ages.
A collaboration with Halcyon, “Origins of Imagination” exemplifies the company’s commitment to placing innovative works of art in museums and public spaces worldwide, enriching the lives of collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
“Origins of Imagination” will be on display in the freely accessible LiveScience hall on the ground floor of Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
For more details, contact info@halcyongallery.com or visit Halcyon Gallery or Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
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