Marshmallow Laser Feast, a collective of experiential artists, is known for merging art, extended reality (XR), and film into large-scale, immersive exhibitions. Their latest work, titled “Of the Oak,” is a monumental piece situated in London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This six-meter-tall, double-sided video installation focuses on the Lucombe oak, a tree in the garden, creating a “digital double” using real-world data.
Collaborating with researchers from Kew, Marshmallow Laser Feast utilized advanced technologies to create a vibrant and scientific rendering of the oak tree. They combined thousands of images, used LiDAR to map the tree’s form with laser pulses, CT-scanned soil samples, employed ground-penetrating radar to trace the root system, and recorded 24-hour soundtracks to bring the tree to life in a unique way.
“Of the Oak” is a celebration of the oak tree as a living monument of vital ecological relationships and species interdependence. It invites viewers to witness the oak’s role as a keystone in the web of life, showcasing its quiet strength and boundless generosity. The piece aims to highlight the importance of trees in the ecosystem and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Visitors to the exhibition can access a digital field guide on their phones or desktops, featuring meditations that explore the bond between humans and trees. The interactive app also includes a species guide, showcasing the diverse range of birds, insects, fungi, and other inhabitants that rely on oak trees for survival.
“Of the Oak” will be on display at Kew until September 28. Marshmallow Laser Feast is also presenting an immersive exhibition titled “YOU:MATTER” at the National Science and Media Museum as part of Bradford 2025 U.K. City of Culture. For more information on their projects, visit the collective’s website.
Overall, Marshmallow Laser Feast’s “Of the Oak” is a stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the interconnectedness of nature and the vital role that trees play in sustaining life on Earth. It is a testament to the power of art and technology in creating immersive experiences that inspire awe and appreciation for the natural world.
