Illuminations: human/nature is universally enjoyable, immensely creative
This isn’t your usual art installation.
Forget wide galleries or airy studios; Illuminations: human/nature defies convention by turning Lake Minnewanka into a canvas, and attendees into a crucial part of the picture.
The installation is a participative experience that was commissioned by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and created by Emily Carr alumni Sarah Fuller and Montreal multimedia studio Moment Factory.
Illuminations: human/nature (Chandler Walter/Daily Hive)
By being split into groups and encouraged to work together, the installation offers a unique experience off the get-go – namely, introducing yourself to complete strangers.
Once armed with the tools needed for Illuminations: human/nature – among them a lantern, a projector, a blank map, and, of all things, some pieces of coal – the group is sent into the park and left to their own devices to figure out, engage with, and experience the various glowing stations.
Intermingling a history of the area, a creative use of the tools, gorgeous light displays, and the natural landscape itself, the installation does not limit itself by appealing only to artistic-types; children, millennials, and seniors alike work together to uncover each piece of the illuminating experience.
Herd of bison projection (Rita Taylor/Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity)
There’s a sense of togetherness formed from the installation as well; be it working together to project a map, deciding what station to head to next, or trying to remain as a unit in the dark with only a few flashlights guiding the way – flashlights with minds of their own – strangers are forced to keep close, and take in the displays as a group.
At the end, all the groups come together for a grand finale on the shores of the lake that inspired the installation in the first place, four years ago.
History of Lake Minnewanka. (Rita Taylor/Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity)
While the starlit, lake-side setting is beautiful in its own right, the sounds of indigenous music, a burning fire, and mingling guests creates an unforgettable experience to end off the night.
Illuminations: human/nature runs from Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7 in Banff National Park, and will then head to Toronto’s Rouge National Urban Park for October 19 to 21.
See also
- Illuminations: human/nature coming to Banff National Park
- Virtual Hospital of Horror in Calgary brings Halloween to escape room
- This terrifying haunted train tour is a must-try for fans of Halloween
While the setup may be the same in Toronto, the story will definitely be different, as the history of Lake Minnewanka was a crucial element in Banff’s installation.
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
So, who’s ready to get lit?
Light and sound simulates lightning and thunder (Rita Taylor/Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity)
Illuminations: human/nature Banff National Park
When: Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7
Time: 6:50, 7:25, 9:05, 9:35, and 9:55 pm each day
Where: Banff Train Station Parking Lot – CP/RM Station, Railway Avenue at Lynx Street
Admission: Free! Register at Eventbrite
Illuminations: human/nature Rouge National Urban Park
When: Thursday, October 19 to Saturday, October 21
Time: 6:50, 7:25, 9:05, 9:35, and 9:55 pm each day
Where: Rouge National Urban Park
Admission: Free! Register at Eventbrite