# Illuminated Cacti Art 'The Ark' by Romain Tardy Turns Cacti into an Epic Light Installation By Michael Hines | Published 2014-02-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ark-by-romain-tardy References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/5/5379474/the-ark-transforms-a-mexican-garden-into-avatars-pandora) & [romaintardy](http://www.romaintardy.com/) The Ark by Romain Tardy proves that given the right tools and amount of creativity, anything can be used as a canvas to create art. Tardy took [organ pipe cactus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany) at the Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca, Mexico, and created an [amazing light show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-of-light) with the aid of projectors. The cacti in question are different from other types of cacti in that they are incredibly tall and thin, much like organ pipes. Tardy installed a series of projectors to create an engaging and ever-changing light show on the cacti. The result looks something like a set from a sci-fi film, and chances are you would think they were naturally illuminated if you didn't know this was an [art installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lektrik-festival-of-lights). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Interactive Botanical Installations:** Illuminated cacti art shows there's a market for interactive, living art displays. - **Projection Mapping:** Using projectors to create stunning light shows on unconventional canvases like organ pipe cacti could revolutionize projection mapping. - **Sustainable Art Practices:** Utilizing living plants in art installations could become a trend towards more sustainable art practices. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers could incorporate projection mapping and living art displays to offer more unique experiences for patrons. - **Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves:** There is an opportunity for botanical gardens and nature reserves to incorporate interactive art installations that highlight their plant life and engage visitors in a new way. - **Event Production and Installation Services:** Event production and installation services could expand their offerings with botanical installations and projection mapping as a unique selling point. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biophilic Garden Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-organism-lights.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Volcanic-Themed Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-archive.md) - [Orb Lighting Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-island.md) - [Eclipse-Themed Rooftop Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arc-zero.md) - [Wonderous Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Cave-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cave-bureau.md) - [Volcanic Lighting Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighting-installation.md) - [Reflective Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-caviar.md)