⤣ SERIESOrigins of Imagination
"Origins of Imagination" is a major interactive artwork by Dominic Harris, commissioned for Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden, Netherlands. This unique project combines art, technology, and nature, inviting visitors to co-create a continuously evolving digital collection of butterflies.
At its core, the artwork reflects the universal nature of creativity. Inspired by the whimsical drawings of Charles Darwin’s children on his manuscript of "On the Origin of Species", Harris celebrates the wonder and innocence of human expression. This artwork invites both children and adults to explore the world of butterflies through their own creations, celebrating the timeless human capacity for imagination.
"Darwin’s theory of evolution was about change and adaptation over time—this artwork mirrors that, constantly evolving with every new butterfly drawn by visitors.” - Dominic Harris
Visitors contribute by drawing their own butterflies, which are transformed and brought to life using advanced AI and machine learning. These butterflies become part of a living, growing collection displayed on a bespoke, large-format interactive canvas. Dynamic color groupings bring the evolving artwork to life, symbolizing the interconnectedness of creativity and nature.
The Collection
Images
Information
Year:
2024
Edition:
unique
Materials:
Code, Electronics, Scanners, LED Video Wall, Laser Rangefinders.
Details:
"Origins of Imagination' is a permanent artwork set within the Live Science area at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.
Dimensions (Metric):
8 x 2.5 meters
Dimensions (imperial):
26 x 8 feet
Commissioned by:
Context
Inspired by the playful drawings made 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 artwork invites both children and adults to explore the world of butterflies through their own creations, celebrating the timeless human capacity for imagination.
The evolving digital collection is presented as three large spheres set within a seemingly infinite digital space, each covered in butterflies. These spheres represent the multidimensional nature of colour and movement, organised by colour, hues, and brightness.
The artificial intelligence responsible for transforming the butterfly drawings has been trained on specimens from the extensive butterfly collection at Naturalis. Extending the experience beyond Naturalis, visitors can take their drawing with them and use a QR code to find their butterfly online as it becomes part of an ever-evolving digital collection.
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.
With this artwork, Harris aims to inspire people to engage with scientific and artistic ideas. Accompanying educational materials help visitors make connections between their own creations and the broader concepts of evolution, creativity, and biodiversity.
Dominic 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.”
Origins of Imagination has been placed in collaboration with Halcyon. Dedicated to enriching the lives and collections of every type of collector and art enthusiast, Halcyon specializes in placing innovative works of art at museums and in prominent public spaces around the world.
Beyond the Canvas
More than an installation, "Origins of Imagination" is a collaborative journey celebrating boundless human creativity. Visitors become part of an evolving narrative that bridges art, technology, and nature.
Each butterfly is linked to a digital ecosystem, allowing the artwork to thrive beyond the museum. Visitors receive their original drawing with a QR code, enabling them to revisit their creation and see its transformation online. This feature extends the artwork’s life, offering a personal and educational legacy to share at home or in the classroom.
View the full collection here.
Making Of
The creation of "Origins of Imagination" is a multidisciplinary achievement by Dominic Harris’s studio. Collaborative research and discussions at Naturalis informed the artwork’s vision, which evolved through iterative presentations and testing.
The technical execution involved creating a sophisticated live artwork system. Proprietary tools were combined with custom databases to manage extensive visitor interactions. The in-house AI team developed machine learning systems to transform drawings into dynamic, animated butterflies. Bespoke algorithms ensure the butterflies’ flight paths and color arrangements maintain visual harmony.
The final artwork, displayed on a 6x2 meter ultra-resolution LED canvas, responds to touch and movement with precision. Real-time updates extend the experience online, highlighting Harris’s commitment to immersive, interactive art that connects audiences with the natural world and their imagination.
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