This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
As we live the shortest days of the year, the proposals are multiplying to bathe in the light of interactive installations both outside and inside.
Light therapy on ice
For his 13e edition, Luminothérapie offers us nothing less than a lake. The interactive experience At the edge of Tranquil Lake transforms the new skating rink in the Quartier des Spectacles into a waterway in which whales, narwhals, rays, bass and other Quebec fish sometimes splash. “Two studios, Mirari and Normal Studio, have joined forces to offer us this poetic journey to the heart of the biodiversity and marine fauna of our northern Quebec lakes,” said the director of programming for the Quartier des Spectacles partnership, Catherine Girard Lantagne, during the inauguration on 1er last December.
“What is unique about this project is that the ice rink is interactive,” said Thomas Payette, co-founder and creative director at Mirari. Yes, we project images onto the ice, but the skaters influence the projected content. The idea was to put people at the heart of the story. »
“We really wanted to bring the range of seasons to life, but also to raise awareness that around us, as humans and Montreal city dwellers, there are people with whom we can connect,” adds Philippe Belhumeur, Director creator and co-founder of Normal Studio.
In addition to this experience on ice, a tour of ten interactive works and four original video projections are on the program.
Also to be noted: the new creation Diamonds, by Perseides Studio. “The more we shoot, the more they light up,” explains M.me Girard Lantagne. The music was composed by Stefie Shock. »
Fourteen of the creations made for Luminothérapie have been presented abroad since 2016. “Our works have been seen in more than 70 cities around the world,” underlines Monique Simard, president of the board of directors of the Quartier des spectacles partnership.
Access to the site, including the ice rink, is free. Skates are available for hire.
Last minute
In a completely different style, the immersive installation Last minute, at the Phi Centre, has nothing to do with winter wonderland. We go there to celebrate life until death, as the minute preceding a death and the one before a birth stretch out.
The idea of these 60 seconds lived in 30 minutes arose when the co-creator, Claire Bardainne, pregnant, scattered the ashes of her father at the seaside.
Here too, the viewer is an integral part of the work. It becomes drop, fire or smoke. Some don’t mind sitting down, stretching out and even dancing. Performance sessions will also allow you to see the bodies evolve through the work on December 17, January 14 and February 11.
Hypnotic, Last minute borders on aggression at times. People sensitive to flashing lights may be bothered by certain effects. Closing your eyes for a few seconds is usually enough to calm the storm. During our visit, a child nevertheless seemed to enjoy the adventure, not hesitating to move between the waves.
General admission: $23.98 (+$5 during performances). Price for children during the holidays: $10. Until March 5.
Illumi Laval
Until January 29, the fourth edition of Illumi presents fantastic new universes. On foot or by car, visitors pass through 19 light paintings. Dogs are welcome!
Price: $34.95 (except certain evenings at $15).
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.