Eau de Jardin

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Generali Foundation Collection—Permanent Loan to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg, © Generali Foundation, Photo: Doris Leutgeb

Sommerer, Christa & Laurent Mignonneau

Eau de Jardin, 2004

Interactive installation, Version with 8 plants, Edition 2/5 & 2 AP; 1 PC Gamer Computer, Operating system: Windows11, Processor: Intel Core i7 processor, RTX3070 graphics card, Cables, periphera devives, interface preamplifier, filter, AD converte, r 10 x 10 meter long cables, power supplies, peripherals, hooks, 8-12 flower pots & cables, UV-lamps, Dimensions variabel

GF0031874.00.0-2023

Artwork text

"Eau de Jardin" (Garden Water) is an interactive installation that transports us into the world of imaginary water gardens. It consists of a curved projection screen, upon which a virtual water garden grows before our very eyes in real time. Potted plants suspended from the ceiling, including peace lilies, ferns, and ivy, register the observers’ every touch and approach through sensors attached to their roots. With the aid of algorithms, the electromagnetic signals are translated via an interface onto the large-format projection screen into spontaneously growing vegetation that looks just like real plants. Fictional water droplets make the background vibrate slightly, like the surface of water. The interdependencies between humans and nature are illustrated in a playful way, accompanied by a serious message that encourages us to consider our relationship, our behavior, and the resulting interactions with real ecosystems. (Doris Leutgeb)