The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County has restored and reopened a diorama hall at NHM in Exposition Park that has been closed for decades. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the diorama halls, the museum invited contemporary artists to submit proposals for a new exhibit, Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness, which reimagines the presentation of context in dioramas. Two of the three selected proposals: The Ever-Changing Flow: A Multimedia Diorama by artist Lauren Schoth and, Special Species – A Delicate Moment in Time by artists Jason Chang (RFX1), Joel Fernando, and Yesenia Prieto. Epson collaborated with the artists and exhibition teams, providing PowerLite laser projectors to light immersive scenes that highlight the evolution of local habitats, landscapes, and species.

“Dioramas have a unique power to spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and foster exploration,” said Amy Hood, director of communications at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. “We’re grateful to this diverse group of artists for their contributions and to Epson, a technology partner dedicated to sustainability and impactful storytelling through art.”

Schoth was instrumental in bringing Epson to the project. A Los Angeles native, Schoth has long appreciated the city’s historical landmarks and the forces shaping its landscape. When she learned of the museum’s request for proposals focusing on local habitats, she thought of the Los Angeles River. “With a deeper understanding of how colonialism and urbanization impact us today, I wanted to use this opportunity to spotlight the past, present, and future of this great city and its significance to all of us,” said Schoth. “I sought to generate dialogue around issues like habitat loss, climate change, urbanization, and conservation by telling the story of the Los Angeles River.”

After experimenting with projection mapping at Penn State University, Schoth connected online with Sean Mason, chief creative officer at A3 Visual, who oversees all projection installations. “The technical aspect of this project really drew me in,” Mason said. “Traditionally, dioramas have relied on low-tech approaches, and I wanted to push the limits with this installation. Having worked with Epson before, I knew their projectors would be ideal for such an intricate display.”

Mason worked with Epson to identify the best solutions, ultimately selecting three PowerLite 805F ultra-short-throw projectors to guide visitors through five scenes depicting the evolution of the biome. Aligned with Epson’s commitment to environmental responsibility, this collaboration was a perfect match for the Epson projector team. “We’re not just providing tools; we support the artists’ vision and passion to bring their stories to life,” said Remi Del Mar, senior product manager at Epson America.

After collaborating with Schoth, Epson extended support to artists RFX1, Fernando, and Prieto for their installation, Special Species – A Delicate Moment in Time. This vibrant diorama, featuring projections, changing lights, and handcrafted, animated piñata alebrije sculptures, takes viewers on a journey highlighting environmental preservation and community interconnectedness. “Our goal was to blend traditional art forms with advanced technology to reach a broader audience, especially younger generations, and raise awareness about the ripple effects of human actions,” Fernando said.

Fernando collaborated closely with Epson to select projectors suited to the diorama’s limited space and varied surfaces. The projectors needed to be bright enough to compete with multiple spotlights. Using PowerLite L630SU short-throw laser projectors with advanced blending and mapping, Fernando was able to illuminate an ultra-wide curved background and project onto the alebrije sculptures, turning a still diorama into a dynamic display capturing delicate moments in time. “Working with Epson exceeded my expectations,” said Fernando. “The projectors offered the perfect balance of technical power and ease of use, allowing me to focus on the art.”

Among the traditional taxidermy displays in the restored diorama hall, Special Species – A Delicate Moment in Time boldly redefines the potential of dioramas by merging technology and art.

“When invited to support this group of artists in their mission to raise awareness about California’s unique species and the effects of disrupted ecosystems, we were eager to participate,” said Chris Teguh, product manager at Epson America. “Projection can blend seamlessly into various environments, transforming surfaces into storytelling canvases. With projection, the only limit is imagination, and we’re proud to offer technology that enables artists to tell impactful stories.”

Epson remains dedicated to providing a versatile range of projectors to support diverse artistic expressions. Schoth used traditional projection to depict environmental changes in Los Angeles, while RFX1, Fernando, and Prieto used projections to animate sculptures, appealing to modern audiences with dynamic imagery.