HYLOZOIC VEIL: THE LEONARDO

Hylozoic Veil opened to the public on October 6, 2011 as part of the full opening of The Leonardo in Salt Lake City Utah. The work spans three stories and is made of hundreds of thousands of lightweight digitally fabricated components fitted with microprocessors and sensors. The glass-like fragility of this artificial forest is created by an intricate lattice of small transparent acrylic meshwork links, covered with a network of interactive mechanical fronds, filters, and proximity sensors. Alongside mechanized component systems, a liquid system has been introduced into the environment, supporting simple chemical exchanges that share some of the same properties as living organisms. This system is based on 'protocells', prototype cells composed of inorganic ingredients combined into cell-like forms.

The Leonardo's installation is the sixteenth iteration of the Hylozoic Series, and the largest project to date. Previous components have been entirely reworked, making the sculptural details more durable and efficient, and increasing the movement and the stability of chemical reactions.