An immersive and embodied experience using augmented reality Metsänhaltijat (Forest Guardians) is a participatory art project created by choreographer and dancer Maria Nurmela and photographer and filmmaker Vesa Loikas.

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Metsänhaltijat (Forest Guardians) combines contemporary dance, visual arts, film, and somatic movement exercises. The project is an example of ecological storytelling, creating immersive forest experiences that blend technology with embodied awareness of nature, enabling participants to engage with local ecosystems through multiple artistic disciplines and their own imagination. Art Portfolio uses AR technology to offer virtual and augmented reality experiences that promote body awareness and well-being.

 

The work was commissioned by the City of Turku as part of its pop-up art program within cultural services and was handed over to the city on February 26, 2025, for a period of one year. Since then, the work has had many participants when it has been in use at the Turku City Library.

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