Oh my… I simply lost my little breath when I saw this magical art installation. You know when you see something that in some way changes you – it makes your smile a little wilder, your heart expands and starts to beat a bit faster, and your mind opens to new possibilities. Well that’s exactly what happened to me when I saw this work of wonder that’s straight out of a fairy-tale or a beautiful dream. It is so epic and monumental – and so delicate, exquisite and highly detailed.

This installation is titled The Falling Garden and it was created for the 50th Venice Biennial in 2003. It was housed in the Church of San Stae on the Grand Canal {ah, writing this takes me back to our beautiful honeymoon}. It was conceived and executed by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger, and I discovered it browsing through their amazing website which is full of pure awesomeness. And attractiveness. I encourage you to take a little look for yourself.

Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger create site-specific fantasias and interactive wonderlands which are an adaptation of nature. The two of them have collaborated since 1997 and it comes as no surprise that they are among the most successful contemporary Swiss artists. Their work is truly mesmerizing, extravagant, and full of fantasy, allegory and sheer beauty. The pair often deals with the paradox and contradiction through their work – good and evil, life and death, hope and despair.

All I can say is – if this is how I feel looking at the installation on my screen, I can’t even imagine how deeply moved I would’ve felt had I seen it in person. There would’ve been tears of joy for sure! This time, my Extreme Love label doesn’t quite sum up how I feel.

Over and out, feeling inspired to no end.

x dana



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

21 Responses

  1. Melissa de la Fuente

    wow…..I am speechless….how beautiful & what a wonderful way to encourage the viewer to interact with the work….”come in, take of your shoes, lie down and enjoy the view” Just amazing….
    xo
    Melis

    Reply
  2. tatjanatopic

    Unreal … look at this inspiration can only bring you to a fairy tale.

    Reply
  3. Vicki M

    wow – even before I reached your words i was just awestruck! Thanks for sharing such beautiful imagery, Dana – how we love how you find these beautiful works :)

    Reply
  4. Annie May

    This is stunning! It actually took my breath away at first sight before I even had a chance to realize exactly what it was! Thank you so much for sharing this!

    Reply
  5. Nicole

    Absolutely incredible, beautiful, captivating, intriguing! Thankyou so much for sharing, I’m going to have wonderful dreams of this tonight! X

    Reply
  6. Flower Art Installations - Flowers

    […] The Falling Garden was created for the 50th Venice Biennial in 2003. It was housed in the Church of San Stae on the Grand Canal . It was conceived and executed by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger. Falling Garden […]

    Reply

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