Epson projects art and science at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History

The modernization of the diorama room of this museum now allows it to offer an innovative combination of art and science in its new exhibition with short-throw laser projectors from Epson, that highlight the evolution of habitats, landscapes and local species.

He Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (USA) has reopened one diorama room that was closed for decades, which now has new technology. To celebrate the centenary of this type of spaces, Its managers have invited contemporary artists to participate in the exhibition Reframing dioramas: the art of preserving wilderness.

Two of the three proposals chosen: The ever-changing flow: a multimedia diorama, of Lauren Schoth, y Species special– a delicate moment in tto do, work of Jason Chang, Joel Fernando and Yesenia Prieto, of RFX1, include video projection elements that use the Epson technology, company that has collaborated with both the artists and the technical team to illuminate the immersive scenes, that highlight the evolution of habitats, landscapes and local species, with his PowerLite laser projectors.

“Dioramas have a unique power to awaken curiosity, inspire wonder and encourage exploration and discovery - notes Amy Hood, communications director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County-. We are overwhelmed by the talent this diverse group of artists has brought to this exhibition and the support of Epson, an important technological partner that feels the same passion for saving our planet and generating an impact through art”.

Diorama multimedia

Artist Lauren Schoth played a crucial role in bringing Epson on board for this project.. “With a better understanding of how colonialism and urbanization continue to affect us all today, I wanted to take this opportunity to shed light on the past, the present and future of this great city and how everyone who lives there is part of its importance - he explains -. I wanted to generate a dialogue around issues such as habitat loss, climate change, urbanization and conservation, telling the story of the Los Angeles River”.

After experimenting with map projections on the Pennsylvania State University, Schoth began following like-minded online communities, until contact Sean Mason, creative director of A3 Visual, who supervises all projection facilities.

“The technical perspective of this project really attracted me and how it is changing the way museums view exhibits and dioramas,” says Mason.. Traditionally, simple technology has been used in dioramas and I wanted to push the limits with this project.. I had worked with Epson before and knew that, with its wide range of projectors, would be an ideal partner for this intricate exhibition”.

Mason collaborated with Epson to identify the best solutions and, finally, used three projectors PowerLite 805F ultra short range, each one with 5.000 lumens of brightness and Full HD 1,080p technology, to guide visitors through five scenes that showed this evolution. In line with the environmental commitment of this manufacturer, “we not only provide lighting tools; “We believe in the messages behind the artists’ passion and drive to visualize their stories and make an impact.”, underlines Remi Del Mar, Epson America Senior Product Manager.

After providing support to Schoth, Epson also offered help to RFX1 artists for their work Species special – a delicate moment in tto do, a vibrant multi-color mix of projection, changing lights and hand-made animated piñatas (Mexican folk art sculptures); a diorama that takes viewers on a hypnotic journey that highlights the importance of the environment, preserving community and connection.

“Our goal was to mix a traditional art form with more advanced technology to connect with a broader audience, especially the younger generations -says Joel Fernando-. “We wanted to raise awareness about the consequences and domino effect of human actions.”.

Working closely with Epson to identify the most suitable equipment for this installation, which involved a small space and restricted and a variety of surfaces to project on, The option was to combine the short throw laser projectors PowerLite L630SU, with a power of 6.000 lumens, con mapping to fill an ultra wide curved background, while projecting on static sculptures, turning an otherwise motionless diorama into an ever-evolving exhibit that captures delicate moments in time.

“Working with Epson far exceeded my expectations,” says this artist.. Its projectors provide the perfect balance between technical power and ease of use, which allowed me to focus on art instead of technology”.

As he adds Chris Tough, Epson America Product Manager, “Projection has the ability to integrate perfectly into different environments and transform any surface into a dynamic canvas for telling stories.”: the only limit is the imagination, and we are proud to offer technology that allows artists to tell their stories in impactful ways”.

Epson is committed to offering a wide range of versatile projectors to support various forms of artistic expression.. These two completely different dioramas in the same exhibition, each with their own projection requirements, They are testimony to how their teams adapt and function in different environments.

The historic diorama room of the Museum of Natural History exhibits more than 75 habitats detailed, from arctic tundra to rainforest. The new exhibition is now open to the public and will remain so for a year. Visitors can enjoy immersive installations that draw attention to the dioramas, as a unique combination of art and science that explores biodiversity, ecology, conservation, colonialism and changing museum display techniques.