Pulse: A Captivating Art Installation Inspired by Nature

Artist Claudia Bueno has created a pulsating light installation that recreates the oscillating frequencies of natural life. Inspired by the natural splendours of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the installation, called Pulse, will debut at Meow Wolf’s new permanent exhibition space in Las Vegas later this year.

Venezuela-born artist Claudia Bueno has recreated vibrating frequencies of natural life, sometimes visible to the naked eye, in her “aquarium-style installation” Pulse. The installation consists of intricate patterns of white lines delicately hand-painted on layers of glass panels, brought to life with sound and light. While playful and utterly mesmerizing, Pulse comments on humanity’s relationship with nature and life, and the role of art in engaging with the natural world.

Bueno says she was inspired to focus her project on nature after visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park six years ago, being amazed by the natural beauty as she walked above the volcano hiding in plain sight. “Spending time in this geographical area where unquestionably nature still rules was a powerful and humbling reminder of our transient existence,” she expressed.

“It felt incredibly vulnerable to be standing over the fine crust that separated my apparently sustainable world from a massive magma pool boiling below me with enough power to wipe out our existence with a sneeze.”

The beauty of America’s national parks, particularly Yellowstone where the earth seems to speak through spitting geysers, swarms of wildlife, and simmering mud pots, reveals the deep connection between nature and humanity. “Walking around Yellowstone feels like walking through a steaming cloud of our planet’s own breath where air, mist, mud, heat, and water are exuding from its inner core,” shares Bueno.

“This connection provided a very deep and intimate perspective, allowing me to experience Earth as a massive active force, gaining insight into my scale and impact within this world. Perhaps this is what touches people so deeply when visiting this area.”

Bueno spent days in Yellowstone capturing photographs of microorganisms and intricate natural patterns that thrive within the thermal pools. “From micro to macro, I studied organic networks and growth systems like lichen, moss, fungus, leaves, flowers, tree bark, branches, root systems, forests, and more, assimilating everything as a single, evolving living organism.”

Upon returning to her studio in Idaho, she transformed these patterns into drawings, paintings, and sculptures, leading to the creation of Pulse. Working collaboratively with a dedicated team of local artists, the intricate panels were painted over the course of eight months, while technical artists Meason Wiley and Mads Christensen assisted Bueno with custom light and sound systems.

“This is the most complex and involved project I have undertaken, and it beautifully came together as a collaborative effort among many individuals who contributed their utmost care and expertise. For this, I am immensely grateful,” says Bueno.

Pulse will run alongside the ‘creepy grocery store’ Omega Mart as part of Meow Wolf’s permanent exhibitions in Las Vegas. Located at AREA15, this space marks the art collective’s third permanent venue, adding to their experimental art experiences present in Santa Fe and Denver.

Meow Wolf and Pulse will open in Las Vegas on February 18. Claudia Bueno hopes that “Pulse can take viewers back to that feeling of coming home that arises when we transcend individual selves and connect to a much larger expression of life.”