Artists represented by Serge Beaulieu and Elena Filipchuk are Hi-Bicozois a collaborative installation art collective. Their sculptures combine light, shadow and sculpture to harmonize sculpture, light and pattern, celebrating the beauty of geometric shapes and patterns. Their work is often inspired by mathematics, science and natural patterns, and acknowledges the influence of diverse cultural traditions.
They participated in an interview with me to talk about their process and their work.
Dimensions marks a notable milestone in your career. What inspired the theme of the installation and the concept of an interstellar village?
The idea was to create the feeling of walking into another world, a village in a foreign country. For me, this idea came to me when I was feeling tensions between my family and my community in the United States, wanting to start a family but feeling like it would mean leaving my village and my community. I don’t think it’s the same tension people experienced in the past.
What was Dimensions’ biggest challenge during its three years of R&D, and how did you overcome it?
Our main challenge was to harmonize the experience of light, sound, pattern and movement. Each element had to seamlessly integrate with the others to create an immersive and cohesive experience. Allen Hulsey’s musical score had to resonate with HYBYCOZO’s intricate geometric sculptures, while Lightswitch’s lighting design had to accentuate and unify the entire installation. Working meticulously, the team experimented with different configurations and interactions to achieve a harmonious blend where the interplay of sound, light, pattern and movement created an engaging and synchronized sensory experience for the audience.
The dimensions allow visitors to walk around the sculpture and provide a communal space for contemplation. What is your approach to designing interactive elements that enhance the visitor experience?
With permanent sculptures installed all over the world, from Dubai to Las Vegas, how do different cultural contexts influence your work and how do people interact with your installations?
Much of our work draws inspiration from patterns in mathematics, science and nature, and we recognize diverse cultural influences in pattern making and design. Geometry and pattern making serve as the backbone of our creative expression; it is a framework for navigating the complexities of shape, proportion and spatial relationships. Patterns, both simple and complex, profoundly impact our perception and understanding of the world. Patterns have the power to evoke a sense of order, balance and aesthetic pleasure. Pattern making and geometry provide us with a means of storytelling and communication. These patterns act as a conduit to deeper exploration, inviting introspection and contemplation to reveal the underlying symbolism embedded within.
What do you think about the importance of public art and how do you ensure your installations are accessible and appealing to a wide audience?
Placemaking is at the heart of our artistic work. We believe that public art has the power to redefine our relationship with the built environment, transforming it into a canvas for creativity, inspiration and social interaction. By bringing art to our streets, parks and squares, we invite people to stop, think, and engage with their surroundings in new and meaningful ways.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a space that inspires connections between people and fosters awe and curiosity. HYBYCOZO is our vessel for exploring the boundaries of art, science, and human experience, igniting the spark of wonder that resides within us all. Our hope is to foster a sense of shared experience and understanding, strengthening the social fabric of community.
Source: Our Culture – ourculturemag.com
