Otherwild

Otherwild at the San Antonio Botanical Garden invites visitors into a vibrant world where wonder takes root and the sky comes alive. This large-scale immersive exhibit features the visionary work of artist Patrick Shearn and his studio, Poetic Kinetics, known for turning public spaces into areas of magic, movement, and awe.

The experience unfolds in two parts: One is Flora Borealis, a custom Skynet installation that vividly contrasts with the Garden’s lush landscapes as it floats and moves with the breeze. Made from ultra-lightweight materials, it mimics the flowing movement of birds and fish.

Second, Shearn presents Enchanted Trees, a sculptural grove featuring ten imaginary species that celebrate the whimsical diversity of nature. Each tree has a unique personality, crafted from shimmering, reflective materials that come alive with the breeze and sunlight. Leaf-like forms flutter, mirrored branches catch fleeting reflections, and translucent canopies cast ever-changing shadows and light across the garden floor.

“These trees are characters,” Shearn reflects. “They have life in them, responding to light, air, and the people moving among them. My goal is for visitors to feel part of the story, to step into a fantastical yet familiar space and discover all the magic hiding in the details.”

Otherwild is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:

Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992, Dickson-Allen Foundation, Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation, Nancy Moorman, and William Knox Holt Foundation