Desert Botanical Garden is excited to welcome its upcoming exhibition, LIGHT BLOOM, opening
Oct. 12.
This immersive experience will explore the fascinating intersection of science, math and nature through stunning geometric light installations throughout the Garden.
Meet the talented duo behind HYBYCOZO, Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu, in this exclusive Q&A. Learn about their creative vision and the inspiration behind the captivating exhibit. And don’t forget to explore the exhibit Oct. 12 through Jan. 20 at the Garden. LIGHT BLOOM is included with general admission.
Q: Where does the name HYBYCOZO derive from?
A: HYBYCOZO stands for Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone, a reference and joke from what was both of our favorite book, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” In the book, the earth is being destroyed to create an onramp. When we were considering starting this studio and art practice, we asked ourselves, what does it mean to create art in the light of environmental destruction and a newfound awareness of global warming? We decided to start an art practice that brings us closer to the fundamental processes and structures of nature — the most elemental geometries, patterns and designs.
Q: Walk us through your creative process?
A: The focus of our creative process is to explore the intricate interplay between geometry, light, space and to inspire contemplation, wonder and a sense of place among our audiences. Geometry and pattern-making serve as the backbone of our creative expression. It is the framework through which we navigate the complexities of form, proportion and spatial relationships. Patterns, both simple and complex, have a profound impact on our perception and understanding of the world. They possess the ability to evoke a sense of order, balance and aesthetic pleasure. Pattern making and geometry offer us a means of storytelling and communication. These patterns serve as conduits for deeper exploration, provoking introspection and contemplation to uncover the underlying symbols embedded within the human psyche.
Q: What inspired the concept of LIGHT BLOOM?
A: Just as many cactus and desert plants have evolved to produce night-blooming flowers, adapting to their environment and thriving in darkness, our sculptures come alive after sunset, blossoming with light and transforming the night into a glowing landscape of art and geometry.
Q: How has your background influenced your artwork?
A: Yelena Filipchuk, born in 1987 in Lviv, Ukraine, has a background in environmental science and studio art and is passionate about using public artwork to invite inquiry into scientific and historical concepts. Serge Beaulieu, born 1981 in Revelstoke, Canada, utilizes his background in industrial design to bring an element of technical sophistication and cutting-edge production processes to the artwork.
Q: What can visitors experience as the sun sets?
A: As the sun sets, the sculptures transform. By day, they appear solid and bold, but at night, light shines through their intricate cutouts, casting delicate filigree patterns and shadows. The once-solid forms become illuminated, revealing intricate designs that shift and change with the light. The solid forms dissolve into a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, revealing the delicate details hidden within the sculptures. Visitors are immersed in a world where the art blooms and breathes, with ever-shifting designs illuminating the night.
Q: What role do you think light plays in shaping our understanding of space and form?
A: The movement of light and shadow is a central element in our artistic vocabulary. We harness the power of light to transform physical spaces, illuminating hidden dimensions and infusing them with a sense of enchantment. From the delicate dance of intricate patterns and shadows to the ethereal glow that emanates from our sculptures, light serves as both a medium and a metaphor, symbolizing the momentum and intangible aspects of light in motion.
Q: What is the significance of blending nature with abstract art in this exhibit?
A: Blending nature with abstract art in this exhibit highlights the harmony between the organic and the geometric. Nature provides the inspiration — its forms, patterns, and rhythms — while abstract art translates these into something more symbolic and conceptual. The combination invites viewers to explore the connections between natural beauty and human creativity, encouraging reflection on how both can coexist. It also emphasizes the delicate balance between the structured and the spontaneous, much like how nature itself follows both order and chaos.
Q: What do you hope visitors take away from this exhibit?
A: We hope that the exhibit serves as a reminder to think outside the box. We work on square tables in square rooms and we hope that visitors come away with a reminder that there are 359 degrees other than 90.
