“Forest Perception – if a tree talks in the forest, does anyone listen?” by Akiko Yamashita turns downtown Los Angeles into a jungle
If you meet LUMINEX: Dialogues of Light artist Akiko Yamashita, you’ll likely notice her calm presence and gentle warmth right away. She has a way of making people feel at ease simply by being around her. Her exhibited work, Forest Perception – if a tree talks in a forest, does anyone listen?, carries that same effect.
When we curated artists for LUMINEX: Dialogues of Light, choosing Yamashita felt natural—not only because of her character, but because of her exceptional artistic skill. Yamashita stands out as a formidable digital artist. She works with such precision and intention that her pieces feel strikingly close to real life.
On opening night, many visitors encountered Forest Perception and chose to slow down. Some laid out blankets, sat quietly, and immersed themselves in the experience of “being in nature.” Her work created a vivid oasis amid the noise and brightness of downtown Los Angeles.
The piece draws deeply on Yamashita’s Japanese heritage, especially her grandfather’s influence. It honors his philosophy and legacy. After witnessing the devastation of World War II, he dedicated his life to restoring forests and promoting a greener, more peaceful future. He focused on protecting roots, encouraging plant diversity, and preserving native species. Yamashita channels these ideas into her work. In Forest Perception, she presents two perspectives of a thriving forest, one above the canopy and one beneath the forest floor, among the roots.
Her work also reflects recent research showing that trees communicate through their root systems, sharing nutrients and water—even across species. Through this lens, Yamashita highlights the importance of biodiversity in sustaining healthy forests and communities.
If you missed LUMINEX: Dialogues of Light, you can still experience it through the livestream.
About Akiko Yamashita
Akiko Yamashita specializes in projection mapping and light installations. She is based in Los Angeles.
Her work explores visual illusions through 3D animation, drawing inspiration from patterns and movements in nature. She pursues the full spectrum of prism colors and transforms physical objects and spaces into immersive, animated environments.
Yamashita collaborates across music, fashion, and architecture, creating innovative lighting solutions that enhance environments. Her light hallway “Portal” earned the A’Design Silver Award. She showcased her interactive flower projection “Hana Fubuki” in the Main Gallery at Artechouse DC as part of In Peaks Bloom. Apple also featured her in keynote films as one of a new generation of makers.