The Oak That Breathes

The intersection of art, science, and nature finds a compelling new expression in ‘Of the Oak’, an immersive installation at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London. Created by artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF), the digital work animates a majestic Lucombe oak through a ‘digital twin’ that captures the tree’s essential character using real-world data.

Anchored by a six-meter projection, visitors are invited to experience the tree as a living monument within an interconnected ecosystem. MLF worked closely with Kew researchers, deploying advanced techniques — LiDAR scanning and CT imaging — to map not only the oak’s form but its intricate root system and the ecological relationships that sustain life around it.

“Of the Oak” is a celebration of the oak as a living symbol of vital ecological relationships,” says MLF. “It invites us to recognize the oak as a pillar in the web of life — standing with strength and generosity.” Through a companion app, visitors can access an interactive field guide complete with meditations and a catalogue of species that depend on these trees for survival.

The installation remains on view at Kew through September 28, offering an immersive experience that prompts reflection on our connection to the natural world.