ROOM + WILD NATURALS: PHILIPP FRANK
In a world where AI dominates much of the artistic landscape, there's a resurgence of creativity in the manual manipulation of light, offering contemporary solutions that defy automation.
Artists are rediscovering the power of a hands-on approach to light art while reclaiming a sense of spontaneity and tactile connection with their craft. This new creative dimension presents an opportunity to explore unconventional avenues, push boundaries, and infuse their work with a depth of emotion. We see this as the embodiment of Transformative Light Art—an approach that breathes new life into its subjects while maintaining a deep connection to the natural world.
From immersive light installations to projection mapping, light artists manipulate luminosity, color, and movement to evoke emotional responses while provoking an intellectual response. Light art transcends traditional boundaries of space and perception, transforming environments and engaging viewers in multisensory experiences. By harnessing the ephemeral nature of light, artists can delve into themes of temporality, transformation, and spirituality. Light art found in the natural environment illuminates the beauty and wonder of the world around us while challenging our perceptions of reality.
Philipp Frank, a visionary land-light artist, and photographer from Germany, merges nature, technology, and emotion to craft immersive spaces and captivating imagery that defy conventional boundaries. His innovative creations challenge viewers to rethink their perceptions of space and time, drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, science, and philosophy. With a background in graffiti art and a Master's degree in Communication Design, Frank's journey has evolved into a deep exploration of the interconnectedness of nature and the human experience. Through his evocative works, he invites audiences on a transformative journey of introspection and discovery, infusing each piece with a profound sense of soulful expression inspired by Kahlil Gibran's belief that "Work is love made visible."
“Reality is as real as it gets in this lifetime. Go out in nature and you will find that reality is the ultimate manifestation of Love. Reality is you and all of nature’s kind. It is very real. It is true Love. Because all of nature is a manifestation of Love. And that includes You.”
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Through skillful use of light through projection mapping, Philipp Frank infuses his artwork with an ethereal essence while grounding it in the familiar landscape. In our conversation with Frank, he elaborated on how his art underscores nature's timeless relevance and role as the ultimate gateway to the present.
R+W: “Reality is as real as it gets in this lifetime. Go out in nature and you will find that reality is the ultimate manifestation of Love. Reality is you and all of nature's kind. It is very real. It is true Love. Because all of nature is a manifestation of Love. And that includes You.” The Einstein quote on your website is very powerful, and it gives us a glimpse into your overall message. Please discuss how nature became your canvas, the concept of live projection mapping, and, ultimately, what you want your audience to experience.
PF: Nature is the greatest artist. She has always been my source of inspiration and creativity. As a child, I spent many hours playing in the forest, captivated by its beauty and wonder. The places around my hometown Munich are very rural.
My creative journey started with painting graffiti. Later I studied Communication Design and worked in that field for many years. As my interests expanded, I delved into meditation and yoga, seeking deeper connections with myself and the outer world. I found myself drawn to capturing the essence of nature through photography and videography.
“I started to look for ways how to merge my love for painting, filming, and nature into a singular artistic expression. I began painting intricate patterns on dead tree trunks with white paint, recording the process as time-lapse videos. Through careful editing, I transformed these paintings into visual experiences, appearing to magically emerge and evolve before the viewer’s eyes.”
Fascinated by the play of light and shadows, the movement of branches, and the reflections in the water I created time-lapse videos and macro photography to document my research. I started to look for ways how to merge my love for painting, filming, and nature into a singular artistic expression. I began painting intricate patterns on dead tree trunks with white paint, recording the process as time-lapse videos. Through careful editing, I transformed these paintings into visual experiences, appearing to magically emerge and evolve before the viewer's eyes.
Torre la Gavina. Formentera/Spain 2023. ©Philipp Frank
“What fascinates me about projection mapping is its ephemeral nature. Like life itself. The technique allows me to create temporary art that leaves only a trace of light on all kind of surfaces. Yet, despite its fleeting presence, its impact can be very profound and transformative.”
My exploration led me to discover projection mapping as a technique, which opened up new possibilities for creative expression. Collaborating with my brother, who had already some experience in the field. Later I learned the intricacies of projection mapping and honed my skills in creating captivating visuals. What fascinates me about projection mapping is its ephemeral nature. Like life itself. The technique allows me to create temporary art that leaves only a trace of light on all kind of surfaces. Yet, despite its fleeting presence, its impact can be very profound and transformative.
Through my art, I want the audience to remember the magic of the natural world and to understand the interconnectedness of all things. Everything is alive and we are part of it. While nature doesn't require my projections or even our presence as humans, we rely on it. Therefore, my hope is to cultivate a greater appreciation for our environment and foster a renewed sense of mindfulness towards the world around us.
Cote de granite Rose. France 2023. ©Philipp Frank
“Through my art, I want the audience to remember the magic of the natural world and to understand the interconnectedness of all things. Everything is alive and we are part of it. While nature doesn’t require my projections or even our presence as humans, we rely on it. Therefore, my hope is to cultivate a greater appreciation for our environment and foster a renewed sense of mindfulness towards the world around us.”
R+W: What is your process for starting each project? How do you find a perfect location and the perfect natural subject? What has been the most inspiring location so far?
PF: I seek out places that resonate with the themes of my series and offer unique visual opportunities. Depending on the project, I conduct some preliminary research. If there's a specific stone formation, tree, etc., I make sure to capture it first. Other locations and natural subjects often reveal themselves unexpectedly while exploring the area. Mostly, I follow my intuition and discover what wants to be discovered.
A most inspiring place is hard to define. I can find beauty and inspiration everywhere in nature. I loved the Himalaya region for the mountains, Germany for my childhood forests, and Formentera in Spain for its overall vibrancy.
Oak in Summer. Diessen/Germany 2023. ©Philipp Frank
“I seek out places that resonate with the themes of my series and offer unique visual opportunities. Depending on the project, I conduct some preliminary research. If there’s a specific stone formation, tree, etc., I make sure to capture it first. Other locations and natural subjects often reveal themselves unexpectedly while exploring the area. Mostly, I follow my intuition and discover what wants to be discovered.”
R+W: Please discuss your medium of choice: projection and video mapping. Without giving too much away tell us about your process on and off site.
PF: My approach has always been highly intuitive, focused on expressing what I feel is necessary at a given moment. Therefore, the medium is secondary to me. The transition towards projection mapping occurred naturally. It leaves no trace, offering boundless possibilities, representing a new form of art that wasn't available a century ago. I regard moving images as the most potent medium available.
My process is straightforward. I work on various series, such as boulders, trees, and mushrooms. Initially, I conduct location research both online and offline, seeking recommendations from others. Then, I create a set of visuals tailored to the surface I intend to work with.
On-site, I first will search for a good composition. I meticulously plan how to integrate the projection seamlessly with the natural environment, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the surroundings. I use a mix of pre produced visuals and live visuals during the shootings. Since the visuals appear differently on each surface, it's sometimes quite surprising to see what unfolds. I record everything and later filter in the studio to select and share the best results.
Chilling, singing, and Projecting on a Beach. Crete/Greece 2021 ©Philipp Frank
“My approach has always been highly intuitive, focused on expressing what I feel is necessary at a given moment. Therefore, the medium is secondary to me. The transition towards projection mapping occurred naturally. It leaves no trace, offering boundless possibilities, representing a new form of art that wasn’t available a century ago. I regard moving images as the most potent medium available.”
R+W: Your work makes landscapes come alive, which brings to attention that they are, in fact, living beings. You shed light on larger messages, such as water scarcity and our universal dependence on it. What regenerative initiatives are close to your heart, and you want to get involved with in the future?
PF: I'm passionate about regenerative initiatives that prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. In the future, I hope to collaborate with organizations dedicated to restoring ecosystems and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Himalaya India 2023 ©Philipp Frank
“I’m delving into the therapeutic potential of this art form, investigating how it can be used for healing and creating spaces of calm.”
R+W: You project on trees, rocks, fungi, fjords, and mountains among others. What is the next frontier in terms of natural objects and textures?
PF: I'm currently exploring ways to streamline the projection process while maintaining the magic in my results and effectively conveying my messages. Additionally, I'm seeking opportunities to showcase my art to larger audiences, both in natural settings and urban environments. Furthermore, I'm delving into the therapeutic potential of this art form, investigating how it can be used for healing and creating spaces of calm.
Mushroom mirco mapping. Germany ©Philipp Frank
Mushroom mirco mapping. Germany ©Philipp Frank
Researchers have conducted a mathematical analysis of electrical signals exchanged by fungi, discovering patterns that resemble human speech. This analysis indicates that fungi communicate through long, underground structures known as hyphae, akin to how nerve cells transmit information in humans. We see a strong connection between your art and mycology. You bring the natural system to life with your art. Please discuss micro-mapping on fungi, and your thinking behind this concept.
PF: I've long been fascinated by macro photography, capturing the beauty and perfection in the smallest details. In a world where the focus often leans towards more, bigger, greater, better, we can overlook the significance of the small things. This fascination led me to experiment with projections on small objects, not expecting them to work effectively on such a scale. To my surprise, I discovered their remarkable beauty and impact.
“To my understanding, life operates in cycles where each element influences the other. Fungi and mycelium serve as excellent examples to comprehend this approach. It appears that all living beings are interconnected within a vast network, to which we (as humans) also belong. The human body is a part of nature. ”
Energy Field 01. Crans Montana/Switzerland. ©Philipp Frank
To my understanding, life operates in cycles where each element influences the other. Fungi and mycelium serve as excellent examples to comprehend this approach. It appears that all living beings are interconnected within a vast network, to which we (as humans) also belong. The human body is a part of nature. Through my projections, I aim to inspire contemplation on these matters. I highly recommend the documentary 'Fantastic Fungi' to anyone who hasn't seen it. It delves into extensive research and explains many of these processes in detail.
Your art takes the viewer on a journey usually reserved for psychedelic use. Please discuss creating a fusion between the real and virtual worlds. “A Real Virtuality” as you have called this experience.
PF: "A Real Virtuality" embodies the concept of transforming reality and surfaces into something entirely different. Something virtual (computer generated animations) becomes alive within the natural world and creates a new layer of reality. Expanding the depths of perception of the audience. Some experience it as „Portals“. It's like a glitch in the Matrix. Essentially making visible the invisible.
Group of rocks in Koh Samui. Thailand 2022. ©Philipp Frank
R+W: Your work is very meditative. Please discuss the role of audio-visual in your work.
PF: Music is absolutely essential to my work. I meticulously ensure that the music and visuals complement each other perfectly, creating a seamless experience. This synchronization is crucial as it enhances the overall impact of the artwork or show, allowing visitors to dive deeper into the experience I've crafted.
Art and travel both have a transformative effect on people. Please discuss “portals” and the role of “energy” in your art.
PF: I completely resonate with that sentiment. Traveling has the ability to catalyze personal growth and development. Similarly, art has the power to shift our perspectives and inspire us on profound levels. It's like stepping through a portal (door) into a different room. And suddenly you will find yourself in a very different energy and field of that place. I firmly believe that the universe is fundamentally governed by energy, and through my work, I strive to symbolize this energy and make it visible. Enabling others to connect with the underlying essence of existence.
“I relish the silence and the wildness, life at its purest. While moments of solitude in nature can occasionally feel lonely and daunting, they primarily evoke a deep sense of connection, inspiration, and peace within me.”
Please share a personal landscape-inspired transformative experience from your past.
PF: There are many experiences I cherish, especially those spent alone in nature, observing, walking, and breathing. I relish the silence and the wildness, life at its purest. While moments of solitude in nature can occasionally feel lonely and daunting, they primarily evoke a deep sense of connection, inspiration, and peace within me.
Learn more about Philipp Frank at philipp-frank.com
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