Artist to artist: People of light and sound

Thursday, 9 May 2024

In this artist to artist conversation, Marie Belzil and Andrew Hagen discuss bringing their art experiences to the public through innovative technologies in ways that forge connections with communities to make art accessible and inclusive for all.

Belzil is creative director of award-winning Canadian multimedia studio Moment Factory, which is set to transform Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā into a multi-sensory wonderland after dark from May 11 to June 9 this year. Light Cycles, Moment Factory’s inaugural project in New Zealand, part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, will transform the gardens into a live canvas. Visitors will immerse themselves in nature with a captivating mix of light installations, soundscapes, and digital art.

Hagen, an award-winning composer and producer, married his love of art with his multimedia experience to create the Urban Art Foundation, which has been adding New Zealand art to digital advertising screens on streets and in shopping malls across Aotearoa for the past six years. In a world first, the charitable trust last year signed an exclusive agreement with Clerk of the House David Wilson to show Urban Art Exhibitions on Parliament TV for 275 days of the year, when the House is not sitting.

Andrew: I've been captivated by your international achievements – I see Moment Factory has created more than 550 unique projects worldwide, it’s truly remarkable. Could you share how this adventure began?

Marie: My journey with Moment Factory spans 13 years, but the foray into natural environments started almost serendipitously. It began with a quest for a valley and forests, initially sought for a bridge projection. However, our instincts led us to craft a night walk. The overwhelming response from the public ignited our passion for nature-centric installations.

Our approach has always been to blend technology seamlessly into the natural landscape, creating magic rather than mere technology. Thus, our global expedition to illuminate various landscapes commenced, each project intricately woven with the narrative of its surroundings. Fast forward, the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas beckoned us to present our artistry, leading us to conceive Light Cycles, our ode to nature.

Andrew: That's truly fascinating. You mentioned making the mystery of nature visible. Could you elaborate on that?

Marie: Nature holds an enchanting allure, a healing power that resonates deeply with those who immerse themselves in it. There's something magical when you spend time in nature, it's so healing, it's good for us.

Our aim is to forge connections between individuals and nature, and among each other. It's about recognising our interconnectedness with the natural world. Interestingly, I find parallels in our shared values, akin to your motto, 'art for everyone.'

Andrew: Yes, and importantly, there is a Māori expression – ki te marama - meaning ‘’into the light’’. Urban Art uses that expression because, like most countries, a huge proportion of artworks that New Zealanders own are cared for in archives, where no one can see them. So, we started to bring all that work out into the light where people can see it. Like you, we’re encouraging people to experience art. I noticed you call your productions ‘’experiences’’ rather than events?

Marie:It is about experience. And it's different every night because when you work with a natural canvas, some days you'll get the wind, sometimes the rain and the whole experience will be different. Nature is playing into this too. I admire your endeavour to infuse public spaces with art, transforming mundane billboards into thought-provoking canvases - they’re experienced too, right?

Andrew: When I came back to New Zealand after 20 years in the United States, I was sitting in a car at a traffic light and there was an ad screening in front of me. It occurred to me that people should have the opportunity to see art on the screens as well. So, I approached then mayor of Wellington Justin Lester, who put me in touch with oOh!media, the advertising company which owns the signs, and we created this amazing partnership.

Since then, we've expanded enormously. We show New Zealand art for around 50,000 hours on up to 100 screens. Then, two years ago we signed a world-first, exclusive agreement with the Clerk of the House, David Wilson, to show Urban Art Exhibitions on Parliament TV when the House is not sitting, that’s 275 days a year, and we’re always on air, Friday through Monday. People love it.

Your transition from advertising to enriching public spaces with art is truly inspiring. How do you decide on the themes for your experiences?

Marie: Yes, our projects often stem from community initiatives, such as collaborating with the First Nation, Wendat people to celebrate their culture through Lumina night walks. However, as we evolve, we're increasingly infusing our distinct voice into our creations. Deciding on themes can be challenging, but our deep-rooted connection with nature often guides our choices. Nature has been our muse for over a decade, inspiring us to amplify its voice through our installations.

Andrew: Could you elaborate on the scale of the upcoming Light Cycle experience here in Wellington, it sounds like a really exciting ode to nature.

Marie: The upcoming experience at the Wellington Botanic Garden will span approximately 1.2km, featuring five distinct installations. Each installation offers a unique emotional journey, with a loop of content lasting around five minutes. Visitors can expect a transformative 45-minute exploration of nature's wonders.

Andrew: I’m really looking forward to this. Besides warm clothing, what else would you recommend visitors bring to enhance their experience?

Marie: We encourage visitors to bring loved ones to share in the experience. Our installations evoke poetry and abstraction, sparking conversations and connections among attendees. It's about crafting personal narratives amidst nature's splendour.

Andrew: What do you hope people will take away from the experience?

Marie: We hope our installations provoke reflection and foster connections. Each visitor brings their own perspectives and experiences, imbuing the space with diverse meanings. Collaborating with Montreal-based indie folk band the Bar Brothers with sound on this project has added an extra layer of depth, enriching the experience for all.

Could you share the reactions you've received regarding your work with the Urban Art Foundation in New Zealand?

Andrew: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our television audience has grown significantly since we started screening on Parliament TV. In January 389,900 people watched,a nine-fold increase over the year. That’s a testament to the power of art if you make it free, and accessible. We've only been on television for a couple of years so we're very proud of that. Our biggest challenge is to let people know we are on Parliament TV!

Marie: What’s next in the pipeline?

Andrew: The wonderful biennial Adam Portraiture Awards, held at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, is just around the corner. This is always a very popular event. We’ll be screening the finalists and winners on our digital network and creating an arTVox programme for Parliament TV, to include interviews with the judges and winners.

I'm continually amazed at the talent we have here, in such a small, out of the way country. I heard there are 100 more entrants this year than last year and I’m really looking forward to working on it.

Marie: Wow, I am impressed by your work to make art so accessible to everyone and bring that experience through multimedia and technology.

Andrew: Like I said before, our organisations hold many similarities. I am also excited to be sharing the Light Cycles experience with my wonderful wife – we are very lucky to have your creativity in our beautiful Aotearoa, thank you!

• Light Cycles, Botanic Garden, May 11-June 9. Tickets: ticketmaster