Graphic Rewilding has been busy ‘sowing seeds’ to regenerate the upper level of The Village, Westfield London with a vast floral interactive mural, entitled Graphic* Rewilding Westfield. Using AR (augmented reality) for the first time, the visionary artist duo Baker+Borowoski have created an immersive, art-slash-nature experience to inspire Londoners of all ages. Renowned for their creative takeovers of urban spaces (they are also the brainchild behind recent viral sensation Skip House)) Graphic Rewilding’s latest installation, its most ambitious and largest yet, comprises numerous 8m-high panels, which amounts to 1.5sq km of ever-changing maximalist wildflower meadow-scapes which will wrap around the walls of the vast circular atrium of level one of The Village.
By accessing QR codes on the floor, the bold floral artwork will ‘come to life’ with AR, to reveal a dynamic abstract meadow, for visitors to wander through. Strategically placed codes act as portals into a world, of free-floating flowers, swaying grass, hovering bees, dragonflies, and effervescent drifting pollen.
Westfield London’s collaboration with the artists is described as an “innovative and playful approach to bring the outside in” and aims to encourage urban environments to connect with nature, while simultaneously improving mental health and wellbeing. Commissioned by Zoe Allen of Artistic Statements, , the installation will be open through to August.
Lee Baker from Graphic Rewilding said: “I co-founded Graphic Rewilding with artist and producer Catherine Borowski to bring nature in to unexpected and often-overlooked urban spaces, and this project helps us take our maximalist approach to another level as our largest artwork to date – nearly 1.5sq km of ever-changing nature imagery. These are our first steps into virtual environments and they have particular personal resonance, combining my constantly growing passion for nature in art but also video games. We want to inspire people to connect and empathise a little more with the natural world, and to find a healing space through these images and experiences.
“Furthermore, new artworks are always a brilliant opportunity to explore the natural and cultural history of an area and Shepherd’s Bush has a particularly rich seam. The name may have originated from the use of the common land here as a resting point for shepherds on their way to Smithfield Market in the City of London. Sheep adore clover, dandelions, and buttercups and so in amongst the blousy blooms we’ve included these wildflowers.”
“At Westfield London, we always strive to create environments that engage and captivate our visitors. Our collaboration with Baker+ Borowoski allows us to seamlessly integrate their immersive and playful art into our spaces to inspire and delight visitors to the centre this summer,” said Katie Wyle, general manager, Westfield London
