S I T É M | M É T I S
Jardin de MÉTIS, INTERNATIONAL GARDEN FESTIVAL – 21st EDITION
Three highly reflective stainless steel triangle volumes are arranged in a pinwheel formation into the forest of the Jardins de Métis. The composite reflections of adjacent mirrored surfaces create surprising views that combine and recombine the surrounding landscapes - at times blending and almost disappearing into the forest, offering unexpected juxtapositions and light reflections at each moment. The modules’ disposition creates three zones, three rooms and one central space, each with their own character. The first zone is filled with existing trees of the Jardins, the second is lined with diagonal rows of fragrant myrica gale and wood planks and the third is populated with a grid of poles with feeders on top for local birds. Each of the three triangular volumes contains a room with different wooden benches that invite visitors to examine the intricate virtual spaces created by the mirrored surfaces. As visitors explore the installation and meander through the mirrored volumes they discover a variety of constantly changing landscapes animated by their and other visitors movements and by the play of light through the trees.
This project was done with Alexandre Hamlyn under the alias office H.A.T.S.
O H C É | É C H O
PASSAGES INSOLITES 2020
O H C É | É C H O [o·ké·é·ko] engages the multiplying of self-contained conversations and siloed communities on social media platforms - virtual spaces commonly referred to as echo chambers. Visitors and residents in these virtual places exist in a constant distorted reflection of their own realities and opinions, reinforcing self-centered narratives.
O H C É | É C H O challenges the illusion of wholeness within these virtual echo chambers of our contemporary culture by playfully simulating their existence through the careful placement of mirrors and reflections. Three highly reflective stainless steel triangle volumes are arranged in a pinwheel formation on an urban plaza. Below them, a coloured mural on the ground spirals outward and extends into the public space to invite visitors through the installation. Composite reflections of the adjacent mirrored surfaces create surprising views that virtually recombine the mural and the surroundings with the cityscape, offering unexpected juxtapositions and light reflections at each moment.
The illusion of space behind the surface of a mirror is called a virtual space. By their disposition, the reflective modules create three zones, three rooms and one central space; each producing their own virtual counterparts. From certain points of view, the illusion of wholeness within these virtual spaces is complete and reinforced by the ground mural. The multiplicity of virtual spaces offers visitors the illusion of passing in and out of many confined spaces throughout the installation. By superimposing these virtual spaces within the Quebec City landscape, O H C É | É C H O simultaneously builds up and breaks down virtual echo chambers that welcome visitors into a promenade of extraordinary experiences.
This project was done with Alexandre Hamlyn under the alias office H.A.T.S.