Biolume at IAF x BMW '25
Biolume was created for The Future is Born of Art Commission 2025, an annual initiative by BMW and India Art Fair, who invited artists to explore the theme of Ecocentrism.
A dynamic 180-degree multi-sensorial experience, Biolume reimagines bioluminescence through an immersive showcase, where nature and technology converge in a seamless dialogue. At its center, BMW and MINI’s latest electric vehicles reflect the same drive for innovation that blends technology with ecologically informed design.
Immersive Room
Interactive Visuals
The Winning Proposal
Winning the Future is Born of Art Commission 2025 was an exciting milestone for us at Ocupus. Led by Dennis Peter (Non-Linear) and Yash Chandak (Cursorama), Biolume brings the deep sea to life through generative technology, transforming bioluminescence and oceanic energy into an interactive play of light and sound. By combining algorithms, electronics, and design, we reinterpreted natural patterns—fractals, fluid dynamics, and light-water interplay—into a digital realm, blurring the line between organic and engineered systems.
The World of Biolume
The visuals and sound in Biolume unfold across three stages, each representing a deeper descent into an abstracted, glowing oceanic world. The first phase is minimal and ethereal, with soft, flowing light patterns that evoke the gentle movement of bioluminescent organisms. As the installation progresses, the second phase introduces more complexity with fractals, pulsating rhythms, and dynamic shifts in color and form, mimicking the heightened energy of marine ecosystems. In the final stage, the visuals become the most intense and chaotic, with rapid bursts of light, vibrant colors, and futuristic patterns that reflect the deep sea’s raw, electric energy.
Multisensory Experience
Ambisonic Sound Design
Sound is integral to Biolume. Designed by Non Linear, the soundscape evolves across the installation's three phases—what begins as fluid, ambient tones builds into layered, chaotic compositions, mirroring the intensifying light and color. A four-channel setup enhances this immersive sonic experience, seamlessly complimenting the visuals.
Interactive Zone
At the heart of Biolume, is an interactive zone where visitors become a part of the visual narrative. LED panels flow from the walls onto the floor, while Lidar sensors and depth cameras track movement in real time. As guests navigate the space, the visuals respond dynamically, creating a sense of presence within the evolving deep-sea landscape.
The interactivity in the installation creates a feedback loop where visitors' actions shape their immersive environment. At its core, Biolume explores the interplay of nature and technology, where algorithms translate organic systems and human actions shape the outcome, underscoring the role of art in socio-ecological dialogue.
Credits
Art Programme: India Art Fair and BMW
Lead Artists: Cursorama (Yash Chandak) and Non-Linear (Dennis Peter)
Music: Non-Linear
Production: Orange Events