“Transcendence” is the name of the latest artwork that has taken the contemporary art world by storm. Created by Frank Bueltge, this installation is a futuristic interpretation of a forest. A massive glass cube, spanning 20ft x 20ft, sits in the center of the gallery space. Inside the cube, a lush green forest is illuminated by LED lights of varying colors, casting an ethereal glow. As you approach Transcendence, you hear the faint sound of leaves rustling and birds chirping, the soundscape generated by a neural network. As you walk around the cube, the glass seems to disappear, and you are transported to a world where you and nature are one.

Drawing inspiration from quantum physics, Transcendence is an exploration of the idea that the observer can influence the observed. Just like how subatomic particles behave differently when observed, Transcendence encourages the audience to observe nature differently, and in turn, affect nature’s response to them. By using neural networks and big data, Bueltge has created an installation that prompts contemplation of our relationship with nature, and how our actions influence it. Transcendence is proudly displayed today in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Bueltge’s previous interactive art installation, “Nature’s Whisper,” explores the relationship between humans and nature in a similarly captivating way, and you can check it out here.