Belarus born American artist Natasha Tomchin has created a series of sculptures titled Prismatic Paradise in which she has constructed conventional house plants such as monsteras and palm trees out of dichroic film. Each leaf in Prismatic Paradise reflects the sunlight at daytime, creating joyful little plant shaped rainbows in its exhibition space. At night, the sculpture comes alive with the help of coloured LED lights, creating an enchanting experience while still being firmly rooted in their shapes as house plants.
These sculptures highlight the existence of these everyday plants that often go unnoticed. The way they radiate and help people to feel better reminds audiences of the plant’s ability to also reduce stress levels in their everyday lives. They encourage people to get and care for their own plants at home, which is why Prismatic Paradise by Natasha Tomchin is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.
Dichroic film, the material behind Prismatic Paradise has also been known for its energy efficiency functions. The glass and celluloid based films refract certain wavelengths that keep indoor spaces cool, which in turn reduces energy consumption from cooling electronics such as air conditioners. This also artistically renders the functions of indoor plants, which help to keep rooms cool and air quality in check.
Natasha Tomchin’s Prismatic Paradise transforms everyday house plants into vibrant sculptures that encourage viewers to appreciate the beauty and calming effects of nature. By using dichroic film, her pieces not only captivate with their rainbow reflections and nighttime glow but also evoke the stress-relieving qualities of real plants. Prismatic Paradise serves as a reminder of the importance of incorporating nature into daily life. Furthermore, the energy-efficient properties of dichroic film mirror the environmental benefits of plants, offering both aesthetic and practical value.
Find out more about Prismatic Paradise and other pieces by Natasha Tomchin on her website www.natashatomchin.square.site or Instagram @natashatm.