⤣ SERIESOrigins of Imagination
"Origins of Imagination" is a major interactive artwork by Dominic Harris, commissioned for Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden, Netherlands. This unique project combines art, technology, and nature, inviting visitors to co-create a continuously evolving digital collection of butterflies.
At its core, the artwork reflects the universal nature of creativity. Inspired by the whimsical drawings of Charles Darwin’s children on his manuscript of "On the Origin of Species", Harris celebrates the wonder and innocence of human expression. This artwork invites both children and adults to explore the world of butterflies through their own creations, celebrating the timeless human capacity for imagination.
"Darwin’s theory of evolution was about change and adaptation over time—this artwork mirrors that, constantly evolving with every new butterfly drawn by visitors.” - Dominic Harris
Visitors contribute by drawing their own butterflies, which are transformed and brought to life using advanced AI and machine learning. These butterflies become part of a living, growing collection displayed on a bespoke, large-format interactive canvas. Dynamic color groupings bring the evolving artwork to life, symbolizing the interconnectedness of creativity and nature.
The Collection
Images
Information
Year:
2024
Edition:
unique
Materials:
Code, Electronics, Scanners, LED Video Wall, Laser Rangefinders.
Details:
"Origins of Imagination' is a permanent artwork set within the Live Science area at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.
Dimensions (Metric):
8 x 2.5 meters
Dimensions (imperial):
26 x 8 feet
Commissioned by:
Context
Dominic Harris, a British artist renowned for integrating technology and art, brings Origins of Imagination to the prestigious Naturalis Biodiversity Centre. The artwork draws inspiration from the playful creativity of Darwin’s children, connecting the past’s free expression with a vision of hope for humanity’s future.
The installation transcends traditional art, inviting active participation. Each visitor's hand-drawn butterfly becomes part of a dynamic, perpetually expanding digital ecosystem. This approach highlights the universality of creativity and the seamless interplay of art, nature, and human imagination.
Naturalis, a global hub for biodiversity exploration, provides the ideal setting for this piece. Naturalis Biodiversity Center is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity. The institute is based in Leiden and hosts over 160 researchers. Naturalis closely collaborates with many universities, research institutes, industry, and government. With a collection of over 43 million specimens - one of the world's largest natural history collections - and state-of-the-art research facilities, Naturalis offers an (inter)national research infrastructure for species identification, and monitoring & understanding of biodiversity. The museum welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. By fostering interaction and reflection on evolution and ecosystems, the artwork enriches its scientific and cultural surroundings.
Beyond the Canvas
More than an installation, "Origins of Imagination" is a collaborative journey celebrating boundless human creativity. Visitors become part of an evolving narrative that bridges art, technology, and nature.
Each butterfly is linked to a digital ecosystem, allowing the artwork to thrive beyond the museum. Visitors receive their original drawing with a QR code, enabling them to revisit their creation and see its transformation online. This feature extends the artwork’s life, offering a personal and educational legacy to share at home or in the classroom.
View the full collection here.
Making Of
The creation of "Origins of Imagination" is a multidisciplinary achievement by Dominic Harris’s studio. Collaborative research and discussions at Naturalis informed the artwork’s vision, which evolved through iterative presentations and testing.
The technical execution involved creating a sophisticated live artwork system. Proprietary tools were combined with custom databases to manage extensive visitor interactions. The in-house AI team developed machine learning systems to transform drawings into dynamic, animated butterflies. Bespoke algorithms ensure the butterflies’ flight paths and color arrangements maintain visual harmony.
The final artwork, displayed on a 6x2 meter ultra-resolution LED canvas, responds to touch and movement with precision. Real-time updates extend the experience online, highlighting Harris’s commitment to immersive, interactive art that connects audiences with the natural world and their imagination.
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