Spirit of Leuser

Mixed reality experience

Commissioned by Spirit of Sumatra exhibition in 2024

Artwork Description

Sumatran tigers and rhinos once roamed Sumatra’s vibrant jungles with awe-inspiring majesty, symbols of power and grace in the wild. Nearly free from natural threats, they explored vast habitats, embodying the spirit of the island. Spirit of Leuser celebrates these magnificent creatures, honoring their presence and reminding us of the delicate balance in nature. Now on the brink of disappearing, they echo a call to protect what remains of our natural world. Let us honor their legacy and be inspired to preserve these wild spaces for generations to come.

Spirit of Leuser immerses visitors in a shifting Sumatra, journeying from day to night to reveal diverse creatures in their natural rhythms. Starting in daylight, visitors spot footprints and seek out elusive animals, like the graceful rhino and shy sun bears. By peering through the goggles, they experience an extended virtual forest merging seamlessly with a crafted paper forest in the exhibition.

As the environment dims into night, glowing plants emerge, and nocturnal animals awaken for visitors to discover. This interactive experience offers a rich, sensory dive into the delicate balance of Sumatra’s wildlife at all hours, evoking a profound respect for its mysteries.

The Artist

Frederic Bussiere is a French-Portuguese new media artist and designer. His work ranges from digital forms like animated graphics, to large physical installations, encompassing various techniques such as interactive design, pre-rendered and real-time graphics, spatial design, kinetics and bamboo architecture.

His work alternates between two main focuses. On one hand, he adopts a purely aesthetic approach, frequently drawing inspiration from nature and plants. On the other hand, he tackles societal concerns, addressing issues like climate migration, air and ocean pollution, overpopulation, and the future of humanity.