The Deep Dark is lighting up Police Point Park from 7-9 p.m. throughout the month of October.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
This October, Hatters are invited to journey along a path of darkness and light with the Esplanade’s newest interactive spacial installation the Deep Dark, located at Police Point Park.
“The Deep Dark was created by two Alberta artists who are based in Calgary, Caitlind Brown and Wayne Garrett,” the Esplanade’s curator of exhibits and collections Xanthe Isbister told the News. “Their practice largely revolves around creating works that are placed into the outdoor environment, that then viewers can physically interact with. And then that interaction itself creates a context for what the work is about.”
Having visited numerous cities around the world, the Deep Dark is a series of LED gates set along an outdoor walking path. When traversed at night, the gates momentarily blind those walking through and standing near them, creating a sense that those who pass through have disappeared into the darkness completely. That is until their eyes readjust and catch sight of the next gate in the distance.
“Essentially, it’s a really clever but simplistic concept that guides you on your path,” said Isbister.
The installation was specifically chosen to visit Medicine Hat as it not only encourages those who see it to reflect on human understandings of darkness and light, but also implores them to consider the existence of darkness in nature versus urban spaces.
“Police Point Park was the ultimate location (to set up this installation) based on the fact that there’s very little light-bleed from buildings or street lamps or anything like that,” said Isbister. “And it’s also quiet. We found the other locations we were considering had a lot of noise pollution, even at night, from roadways.”
Accessibility was also a factor Isbister and her team considered, eventually determining Police Point Park would be the best option for people of all ages and abilities.
Isbister hopes Hatters will enjoy the installation and the experience of viewing art outside the exhibit or gallery space.
“Something that we’re doing going forward is curating spaces and experiences for our community beyond the wall for the Esplanade,” Isbister said. “Some people are uncomfortable coming into a museum or art gallery, or it’s maybe something that they just don’t think of doing. But when we bring something like this land-based installation and interactive piece to where people are commonly venturing out, such as a park, we’re essentially bringing the work to them.
“It’s pretty neat, a very unique experience for Medicine Hatters; nothing they’ve experienced before.”
The Deep Dark runs from 7-9 p.m. daily along Police Point Park’s Shale Path now through the end of the month.
