Electric Forest 2025: Artistic Installations Enchant the Forests with Imaginative Spell
Situated within the woodlands of Rothbury, Michigan, is a captivating event where music, art, and nature come together. Known as Electric Forest, this multi-day festival of music and arts presents an extraordinary experience in the verdant, wooded locale referred to as Sherwood Forest. Participants camp on-site, transforming the event into its own distinct universe for four days.
Even though the music frequently captures the spotlight, the art installations are a crucial aspect of the overall experience. My Modern Met attended Electric Forest 2025 and engaged with the artwork directly. “Electric Forest might be recognized as a music festival,” notes Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met, “but the quantity of exceptional art installations encountered in Sherwood Forest and elsewhere was simply astonishing.”
Daniel Popper’s sculpture Lumen ranked among Kim’s top picks. This monumental piece showcases a face embraced by sweeping shapes that resemble tree limbs or vines. By day, its meticulously crafted textures can be appreciated. At night, it was transformed. “The stunning figure came to life at night through projection mapping by Jasper Mosher,” he remarks, alluding to the faces, colors, and textures cast onto the surface, altering its appearance at any moment.
Brothers Alexander and Aric Waldman introduced ethereal butterfly artwork to the woods with their stunning installation called Metamorphosis. “Vibrant with hues and animated with motion, festival attendees absorbed positive vibes from Metamorphosis and were drawn to it like moths to a flame,” Eugene remembers. “What was especially noteworthy was the uplifting energy and significance the Waldman brothers evidently conveyed regarding their enthusiasm for Electric Forest. It’s all about the people, energy, creativity, and experience. That passion shines through in this beautifully crafted piece of art.”
One of the most surreal aspects of Electric Forest 2025 was found within the Dream Emporium, a multi-sensory installation that has become a fixture of the forest since 2023. Envisioned as a space for interaction and connection, each step left participants contemplating where the rabbit hole leads. Some found themselves on a talk show set or entering an underwater room. “The Dream Emporium overflowed with limitless imagination and creativity,” Kim elaborates. “The interactive art engaged individuals, making them a part of the art itself.”
The meticulous vision that goes into creating Electric Forest is truly a labor of love, and we eagerly anticipate the art and music next year. “Much appreciation goes to Creative Director Nova Han, Forest Production Manager Brad Lyman, and the entire Electric Forest team for undertaking such an extensive project and executing it at the highest standards.”