The sinking garden

Highlighting endangered species in New York State and beyond, 'The Sinking Garden' is a new technology project integrating Virtual Reality application with fine art language to depict ecosystems that are at risk of survival. The project is based on and inspired by research conducted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Focusing on specific endangered animals and plants that exhibit extraordinary beauty and significance in biodiversity, the project metaphorically depicts critical environmental issues. The Sinking Garden uniquely combines painting and new imaging technology to portray endangered species. At first, a series of paintings were created in a distinctive style inspired by folk art traditions from diverse cultures. Second, through conducting research and consulting scientists in nature conservation, the digital portraits of endangered species were chosen and produced as VR components. Finally, the VR platform brings animals and plants come to life in the 3D environment within cyberspace. The Sinking Garden project is intended to expand the capacity of visual art by utilizing new imaging technology in our age. Interweaving aesthetics with educational experience, the new media art project aims at inspiring viewers to cherish the natural world that we call home.