In May 2025, the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London unveiled its first-ever outdoor digital art installation: Of the Oak. This 6-meter-high LED portal, created by the acclaimed art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, combines advanced LED display technology, interactive digital storytelling, scientific data, and immersive experience. The result is a 12-minute multisensory journey that brings to life the hidden vitality of nature.
Of the Oak represents a groundbreaking convergence of nature and technology. Through ultra-high-definition LED screens, the installation visualizes the seasonal transformations of a 200-year-old Lucombe Oak. Visitors are fully immersed in the visual and auditory rhythms of the tree—from spring’s awakening to winter’s rest. Real-time motion interaction allows guests to influence the oak’s on-screen behavior simply by moving in front of it. Complementing this are guided breathing meditations that sync human breath with the tree’s natural cycles, enhancing the connection between people and the living environment.
To capture the essence of the oak, Marshmallow Laser Feast collaborated with Kew’s scientists and horticultural experts. Using cutting-edge LiDAR scanning, CT imaging, and high-resolution photogrammetry, the team produced a precise digital replica of the ancient tree. Ground-penetrating radar was also used to map the extensive root system, ensuring the virtual tree reflects both the visible and hidden complexity of its real-world counterpart.
Beyond the physical installation, Of the Oak includes an online field guide accessible via QR codes placed throughout Kew Gardens. This feature invites visitors to explore the vast ecological network supported by oak trees and understand how these ancient organisms sustain thousands of species, deepening the educational and environmental impact of the project.
This innovative project is more than an art installation—it’s a showcase of what LED display systems can achieve in public art, cultural exhibitions, and ecological education. The modular, interactive design of the LED portal sets a new standard for how digital media can be integrated into outdoor environments.
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Paul Denton, Head of Visitor Programs and Exhibitions at Kew Gardens, commented:
“This collaboration breaks boundaries between art, science, and technology. Through the medium of LED digital art, we make visible the delicate connections between humans and the trees that support life, encouraging a deeper reflection on the future of our shared ecosystem.”
