Lisa Park is a Korean-American artist who uses biometric sensors, such as heart rate and brain wave sensors, to create intimate environments that excavate hidden emotional states such as vulnerability, intimacy, and confrontation. Blooming highlights the importance of presence and physical connection in our lives. The installation, which takes the form of a life-size cherry blossom tree, responds to physical contact between two to four participants. When participants stand before the tree and hold hands or embrace, the tree will flourish; when they release, it will wither into its pre-bloomed state.

Park’s work is augmented by advanced research at Nokia Bell Labs into sensor technology that enables the detection and determination of contact between people. Blooming was developed during the 2017-2018 Experiments in Art & Technology (E.A.T.) Artist Residency program at Nokia Bell Labs, in collaboration with NEW INC, a program of the New Museum.

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