Big Art Illuminates Canal Convergence 2024
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Big Art
Envision a place where light dances on water, where technology breathes life into art and where a community comes alive with wonder. For 10 nights this November, the Scottsdale Waterfront becomes that place. Canal Convergence returns, transforming the city’s iconic canal into an immersive gallery of illuminated artworks that challenge perception and ignite imagination.
This year’s event, running from Nov. 8–17, promises to be the most ambitious yet, with the theme “Reflections” serving as both a visual motif and a call for introspection. The captivating showcase of light-based art features innovative installations from artists around the globe — including Big Art, a Calgary-based studio returning with a trifecta of interactive marvels that embody the event’s luminous spirit.
Big Art’s installations invite visitors not just to observe but to engage, play and ponder, blurring the lines between spectator and participant.
“We really don’t create any art that isn’t interactive. It’s what drives us,” says Paul Magnuson, founder and chief imagineer for Big Art. “We’ve been conditioned to ‘look, not touch’ when it comes to art, but that’s not how the real world works. That’s not how we explore, learn, make new discoveries, become inspired.”
Big Art’s first installation, “The ARRAY,” challenges visitors to rethink their relationship with mirrors. Fourteen 6-by-4-foot mirrored structures stand like sentinels along the canal, each waiting to be awakened by a curious passerby.
“The panels are curious and interesting sculptures waiting to be discovered, but it takes someone brave enough to get closer and unlock their secrets,” Magnuson explains.
As visitors approach, their reflections dissolve, replaced by vibrant video content ranging from inspirational messages to whimsical scenes of people dancing.
“When activated, the screen shares messages of hope, positivity and encouragement … and even funny videos of people dancing, laughing and other fun content like far-off imagined worlds,” Magnuson adds. “It’s all about curiosity, discovery, transformation and, ultimately, inspiration. We want people leaving with a smile and a skip in their step.”
Just a stone’s throw away, “The EQUBE” pulsates with energy, its 10-foot cube housing nearly 10,000 LEDs. This installation invites visitors to become conductors of light, manipulating colors and patterns through an interactive console adorned with arcade-style buttons.
“There is something magical about controlling 10,000 LEDs with the push of a button. It’s really that simple,” Magnuson enthuses. “The whole idea is to see the magic, feel the magic, control the magic.”
“The EQUBE’s” design, reminiscent of a giant equalizer, blurs the line between art and play.
“We generally do not create works that are static or in a passive state,” Magnuson explains. “To us, there is no line, and all art should involve some type of play.”
Completing Big Art’s trinity is “The PORTAL,” a 17-foot structure that serves as a gateway to other dimensions. Visitors navigate through the towering artwork, uncovering hidden features through an interactive console that commands a circular video screen and LEDs.
“The console we’re using for The PORTAL has two game modes: Simon Says and Arcade,” Magnuson reveals. “In Simon Says, you… well, play a game of Simon Says. It’s a two-stage approach: do you have the curiosity to come to the console, and do you have the perseverance to play, and play, and play, and play again? Each time you pass a level, you are rewarded with new sounds and sights.”
“The PORTAL” explores the allure of gateways to other dimensions, encouraging reflection on both the literal and symbolic meanings of portals.
“This ‘PORTAL’ explores natural human curiosity on a grand level, prompting the viewer to ask themselves: ‘What else is out there?’” Magnuson muses.
Jennifer Gill, deputy director for Canal Convergence, emphasizes how Big Art’s installations align perfectly with this year’s theme.
“All of this year’s selected artworks use physical reflections to inspire psychological reflections among attendees in distinct and unique ways,” she explains. “Visitors to this year’s Canal Convergence will be immersed in both a literal and metaphorical world of reflections.”
Canal Convergence has grown significantly since its inception, evolving into a world-class event that draws visitors from across the globe. The festival not only illuminates the Scottsdale Waterfront but also shines a spotlight on the city as a cultural destination.
“Obviously, it’s a very popular festival, as we see it grow every year,” Magnuson observes. “The Waterfront presents opportunities to play off the water, the pathways, the structures, and even nearby side streets. It’s the perfect setting for a festival of this kind.”
The event’s impact extends beyond the 10-night run, contributing to Scottsdale’s reputation as an arts and culture hub. It draws thousands of visitors, boosting local businesses and fostering a sense of community pride. The interactive nature of installations like Big Art’s encourages social interaction and shared experiences, creating lasting memories for attendees.
“It’s the magical moment when you push a button and send 10,000 LEDs down a 105-foot tunnel,” Magnuson says, describing the power of interactive art. “The technology to create these magical moments is accessible, affordable and even commonplace in our society. It’s time public art evolved to match other areas of our society.”
As the sun sets each evening, Canal Convergence comes alive, transforming the Scottsdale Waterfront into a playground of light and imagination. Big Art’s installations stand as beacons of innovation, inviting visitors to reflect not just on the art before them, but on their place within a world of endless possibilities.
“It’s the realization, you can touch the art, you are a part of the art,” Magnuson concludes. “The art is … well, is made by someone with you in mind.”
Canal Convergence: Reflections
Nov. 8–17 // Fridays and Saturdays 6–10 p.m. // Sunday–Thursday 6–9 p.m. // Scottsdale Waterfront // 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale // Free // 480-874-4645 // canalconvergence.org
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