Au bord du Lac Tranquille by Normal studio and Mirari
Au bord du Lac Tranquille by Normal Studio and Mirari on the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink, 2022
- LUMINO
- Video projections
Related project(s)
A FASCINATING MARINE WORLD AWAKENS UNDER YOUR FEET
In the enormous land that is Quebec, a virtual infinity of waterways – from creeks to the mighty St. Lawrence – are home to abundant flora and fauna. Whether fresh or salty, the water flows harmoniously before freezing on winter’s arrival. We take advantage of these enormous natural mirrors to go for a nice long skate. But are the creatures under our blades really hibernating?
Behind you, your skates leave a winter fresco on the ice – the marks left by your blades allow glimpses of a fascinating imaginary underwater world, a parallel universe inhabited by aquatic and terrestrial animals. Fish, whales and tortoises are unveiled through an interactive video projection by Mirari and Normal Studio and follow you playfully. Learn to get along with the neighbours under your feet and become the current, the maelstrom, the celestial energy! Let your imagination glide into a world that belongs to dreams: the world of Lac Tranquille.
Creative intention
"Like the skaters who will brave winter cold to enjoy this experience, we have accomplished a major creative and technological feat by creating this open-air interactive work. We are very happy to have been able to use our creativity and expertise to bring a luminous, magical and dreamlike world to life in the heart of Montreal. With Au bord du lac Tranquille, skaters become part of the story by building and transforming the visual world through their movements. This unique project is a fine example of the characteristic collaboration and ingenuity of Montreal’s creative ecosystem."
Thomas Payette, co-founder and creative director of Mirari, and Philippe Belhumeur, creative director of Normal Studio.
Credits
Design and creation: Normal Studio et Mirari
Photon programming: VYV
A production of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
Biographies
Normal studio
Normal Studio is an integrated creative studio. The company works closely with artists and producers from the culture and entertainment sectors to deliver immersive experiences that meld creativity and technology to amaze the public.
The Montreal-based studio transforms urban spaces into impactful immersive experiences. Through multisensory and interactive installations, 360° projections and architectural actions, it brings wonder into people’s lives and creates shared magical moments. Normal Studio produces live and recorded events with powerful emotional resonance, creating the perfect setting for artists and brands to connect more deeply with their audiences. Grounded in both tradition and innovation, the studio’s work leverages the latest technology and proven formulas to make an indelible impression on the spectator’s memory.
Philippe Belhumeur
Philippe is dedicated to the sublime transformation of performance using innovative technology systems for shows ranging from orchestra and theatre, TV and architectural projections.
For 15 years, he has worked at the intersection of scenography, video, and technology, combing each element to deliver impactful and entirely immersive experiences with a strong intent: transporting the audience to new territories of imagination.
Mirari
Mirari creates spaces, installations and works that transform the way people see the world. Their team of creatives get their know-how from their long-standing experience in the performing arts.
They believe in bringing art to life, and leaving a distinctive human imprint — whether for the stage, public spaces or major events. Each and every one of their projects is completely thought through to create an unprecedented connection with spectators.
Thomas Payette
Thomas Payette is a graduate of the production program at the National Theatre School of Canada. In 2015 he co-founded Mirari, a multidisciplinary studio that creates works, spaces and installations that transform the public’s perceptions. Thomas is the studio’s creative director and a multimedia designer.
He has been creative director for several works and installations for public spaces and contributed to video and multimedia productions by artists such as Robert Lepage, Sylvain Émard, Guillaume Côté, Virginie Brunelle and Martin Messier and highly regarded institutions such as Théâtre du Nouveau Monde and the National Ballet of Canada.
Thomas is a member of the board of directors of Xn Québec and an instructor at the National Theatre School of Canada.