Marta Figueiredo is a Portuguese architect and multidisciplinary artist based in NAARM/Melbourne. In 2016, she founded her artistic practice which unites new technology alongside craft to create playfulness, fun and sensory experimentation. Her works focus on new kinds of sensory and immersive experiences to stimulate emotional bounds with her audience. Marta has exhibited in Australia and internationally – Shanghai, Milan, Brussels and Paris. With 20 years background in architecture, Marta is leading and coordinating the Tree Spirit project.
Jonathon is a musician and sound designer based in Melbourne.
Tree Spirit
Tree Spirit is a temporary interactive sculpture of an artificial tree that expresses our emotional connection with Nature through the presence of a ‘nature sprite’, who has witnessed the outcome of our current path in relation to the environment.
The sculpture is illuminated with light and sound that articulates the harmony and destruction caused by humans from nature's perspective. The electronic expressions are interactive, they respond in real-time to the actions of the audience bringing an element of play and discovery.
The structure utilises Tensegrity, which is inspired by PhD researchers that have determined these shapes as ideal replacements for old trees, which are favoured by wildlife as habitats.
Tree Spirit is intended initially to be situated in the western gravel square in the Melbourne Museum Plaza, Carlton Gardens, after which it could travel interstate or internationally to continue spreading its message.
After exhausting its life as an itinerant sculpture, rather than being disposed of, Tree Spirit will be stripped of its electronics and installed permanently as a habitat for wildlife.
Through interaction we hope to develop the audience’s empathy towards the natural world by creating this 'nature being', who has come as an emissary to warn us of our callous actions and attitudes, giving a face to the natural world that is compassionate and deserving of our care.