The Digital Tree Monument (soon at https://digitaalbomenmonument.wordpress.com/ ) is an art project by Nicole Spit to digitize trees from the Castricum area and place them in a virtual dream world. Still on show, extended until Februari the 1th ! At Huize Koningsbosch, Heereweg 84, Castricum.

In my artproject ‘Digital Tree Monument’ I selected eight trees in Castricum, which all represent a specific tree threat. Like nutrient-poor soil. urbanization, tree diseases, drought, salinazation. Some, like the old chestnut tree at Huize Koningsbosch or the old Willow at the ‘Tuin van Kapitein Rommel’ have already been felled and live on in the digital world.

We can restore stone monuments, but unfortunately not old monumental trees. How could we preserve them, with their specific phenotypic properties? Is a digital arboretum in a metaverse perhaps an alternative?

Opening of the Digital Tree Monument Exhibition by the Alderman of the municipality Castricum. Digital Tree Monument created by Nicole Spit
Opening of the Digital Tree Monument Exhibition by Alderman Brouwer of the municipality Castricum. (foto: R. Redmijer)
Visitors scan the digital prints to see the extra animation layer. Digital Tree Monument created by artist Nicole Spit
The 2d prints can be scanned with an augmented reality app for an extra animation layer.
Digital Tree Monument 3D printed trees of Castricum in their digital world.
3D printed trees of Castricum in their digital world.
Digital Tree Monument book with scannable images with animation layer.
‘Digitaal Boment Monument’ book, (Dutch, hardcover, full color, 32 pages. With AR scannable images)
‘Digital Tree Monument’ exhibition until Februari the 1th 2023!