Art and Science merge to illuminate Yonge-Dundas Square with BIOLUMEN by Radha Chaddah x RAW Design
Yonge-Dundas Square is excited to welcome Biolumen by Toronto-based visual artist and scientist Radha Chaddah and architectural firm RAW Design from March 1 to April 1. Admission is FREE and the experience is open daily from noon to 10pm.
Biolumen by Radha Chaddah x RAW Design is an immersive experience with changing light, texture, and sound. The art installation features ten large luminescent structures where art, science, and nature merge. Inspired by deep-sea Radiolaria, “Biolumen” represents resilience and beauty in harsh environments.
Why You Need To See Biolumen, inspired by deep-sea Radiolaria
At night the sculptures become luminescent and glow from within and project colourful beams of light through their perforated skeletons, creating a dazzling display on the surrounding environment. In the daytime, the differentially coloured inner and outer layers of the Radiolaria sculptures reveal a different way to experience sounds and sights of each of these sculptural creatures. Accompanying sounds are an original score that emit from within the sculptures. It is an ambient sonic landscape that evolves over time and with interaction.
Julian Sleath, General Manager of Yonge-Dundas Square shares, “With the dark and cold days of winter, we are thrilled to present this radiant and immersive art experience created by Torontonians to brighten up the winter season. Toronto residents and visitors will be enchanted and inspired by Biolumen by Radha Chaddah x RAW Design and we can’t wait to see how they interact with the installation.”
Who Is Radha Chaddah?
Radha Chaddah. Photography: © Melissa Vasiliev
Radha Chaddah is a Toronto-based visual artist and scientist. Born in Owen Sound, Ontario, she studied Film and Art History at Queen’s University (BAH), and Human Biology at the University of Toronto, where she received a Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Neurobiology.
“As an artist who lives and works in Toronto, I’m excited to see Biolumen shown in my hometown at Yonge-Dundas Square,” says Radha. Reflecting on her artistic inspiration and intention with her work, Chaddah also shares, “Biolumen was inspired by Radiolaria, which are tiny single celled animals. Their name means ‘small sunbeam.’ Ocean floors are thick with their astonishingly beautiful skeletons, made from silica. Radiolaria live symbiotically with algae who feed them with sugars they make from sunlight. Some Radiolaria are bioluminescent because of the bacteria that live within them. The visual and sonic harmonies created by this installation are a tribute to symbiosis, and the ideal of humans living in balance with nature.”
Radha makes art about invisible realities using light as her primary medium. Her work examines the interconnectedness of our material reality from the micro to the macro. In her studio she designs large scale projected light installations for public exhibition. She prepares samples and shoots much of this imagery in laboratories at the University of Toronto. There, Radha uses the tools of research science to grow cells using embedded fluorescent light-emitting molecules. She examines these cells and myriad other fragments of nature using a variety of imaging systems from light based laser confocal fluorescent microscopes to non-light based ultra high magnification scanning electron systems.
Her photographs and light installations have been exhibited across Canada. She has lectured on her artistic practice and cell biology at the Aga Khan Museum, the University of Toronto, the Ontario College of Art and Design University and the Textile Museum of Canada. Radha is the founder of Under 5 Studio, which brings together traditional and new media artists to produce work for public exhibition. Radha’s work has been supported by the Canada Council of the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, reviewed by the CBC, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, BlogTO and Fashion Magazine.
Who is RAW Design?
RAW Design is a Toronto-based architectural firm that works on a wide variety of scales and project types. From community greenhouses to large residential developments, not to mention outdoor interactive installations, its team of 60 architects and designers takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. For Biolumen, the firm assembled a team of professionals from several fields (applied science, technology, art and architecture).
Suleman Khan, RAW Design Intern Architect, shares, “As designers, our goal is to create active public spaces that not only stimulate the senses but also inspire contemplation and appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. Biolumen provides a captivating peek into the interplay between Radiolaria and our environment. Through immersive design, we aim to evoke a sense of emotion, fostering a personal connection to the natural world. "
Experience even more with IllumiNite
To light up the heart of Downtown even more, Yonge-Dundas Square has collaborated with Downtown Yonge BIA’s IllumiNite experience. Visitors can continue to immerse themselves in art and light experiences at the nearby Trinity Square and storefront installations along Yonge Street. For more information about IllumiNite, visit their website: downtownyonge.com/illuminite
Biolumen, by Radha Chaddah x RAW Design, is a co-production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the City of Mississauga and Culture Shawinigan, with distribution by QDSinternational.
Biolumen Credits
Creation: Radha Chaddah
Design: RAW Design
Fabrication: Jack World
Sound design: Jaclyn Blumas
Co-production: Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the City of Mississauga, and Culture Shawinigan
Distribution: Quartier des Spectacles International
Executive Production, Touring: Jack World
All Year Long at Yonge-Dundas Square
Throughout the year, the Yonge-Dundas Square is home and host to numerous local, national and international events in Toronto celebrating culture, diversity, love, milestones and throwbacks, people, music, food, sports and so much more.
Last year, the Square celebrated its 20th anniversary and we continue to be reminded that what makes it so special are the people, cultures, residents, tourists, artists, and performers that come together at the Square.
Follow us on social media at @ydsquare to stay tuned of all upcoming events and tag us for the chance of being featured.