An 11,000 square-foot inflatable structure is having its world premiere in Calgary.
The new exclusive Luminarium exhibit at Telus Spark is a larger-than-life kaleidoscope or a stained-glass window, sprinkled in an immersive soundscape
The inflatable structure, which is designed by British artist Alan Parkinson has 21 rooms, filled with vivid colours that reflect the sun’s natural light off curved walls all within a labyrinthine of tunnels.
“Alan Parkinson started this adventure 30 years ago through a community project that was devoted to people with special needs and it slowly grew to the very monumental size it is today,” said the Luminarium manager, Fló Guerin.
The project was an inspiration of Parkinson’s work with the camera, photography and his fascination of light.
“It’s the magic of light and color,” said Guerin.
“It gives the possibility to access this feeling of wonder, the feeling of beauty, the beauty of a phenomenon that is so natural.
“A lot of people when they come outside after having gone through it, they say ‘we now see the colours in a different way.”
Spark is hosting the Timisien structure, from architects of air, which is inspired by the Gaudi’s Casa Guell in Spain and the Romanian city of Timisoara, the cultural capital of Europe.
“The Luminarium actually encompasses all of our senses,” said Spark’s manager of creative experience, Megan Tackaberry.
“We get to explore the beauty of light and you’re also greeted with a beautiful soundscape while you’re experiencing the bursts of vivid colours.
“It teaches us the beauty of what natural daylight can actually do.”
The Luminarium is part of Spark’s 2022 summer season and is open to the public from July 1 until August 1. Admission is for free with a Spark membership.
