"Aura" at The Amazing Brentwood
The Amazing Brentwood Unveils “Aura,” Western Canada’s Largest Free Public Light Mural
An Immersive art experience that celebrates light, colour and architecture.
In partnership with Park Production House and The Amazing Brentwood, “Aura’s” sunlight-powered and semi-transparent vinyl installations adorn six highly visible locations at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, BC, Canada. Although I am more known for my low poly landscapes, it has always been capturing light, colour, and abstraction that has inspired me to make art. My inspiration for “Aura” came from the modern architecture of the Amazing Brentwood and the way that the sunlight radiates off of the glass. I wanted to create an art installation that would enhance the modern lines in the architecture, reveal unique views of the property and to consider how the guests would experience the different locations. By using coloured glass and the form of the building I was able to use the material to create dramatically different experiences depending on the time of day.
These 6 art installations span 14,679 square feet and took over six weeks to complete.
Through this interactive art installation, I want viewers to reconnect with the world around them by experiencing the wonder of light and colour again. During the day, the elevator shaft transforms into a twisting tower of light and the skybridge, canopy, lobby and rooftop become a dazzling array of colours and reflections. In the evening, most of the installations are lit, transforming the modern architecture of The Amazing Brentwood into a lightbox of colour that emanates onto the world outside. As guests explore these different spaces, the light appears to move with them too, revealing a captivating aura of colour and shadows that turns the viewer into the artwork itself.
“As we move into a time of renewed energy and optimism, ‘Aura’ encourages us to step into the light again and live life in full colour,” said Emma Fyfe, General Manager, The Amazing Brentwood. “While “Aura” is intrinsically optimistic, it serves as a reminder that the pandemic has made a lasting impact on our collective mental health. We’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to our fellow British Columbians while helping to give back to our local community and celebrating art, both of which are extremely important to us at The Amazing Brentwood.”
As the recipient of “Aura’s” fundraising efforts, Coast Mental Health Foundation provides essential housing, support and employment services for people with mental illness so they can find their meaningful place in our community. Darrell Burnham, CEO of Coast Mental Health Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to be participating in this community-based public art project that shines light on the mental health challenges facing Lower Mainland residents. By mobilizing the public to share their energy this summer, ‘Aura’ is also creating conversation about mental health. This awareness can only serve to strengthen our communities and our programs here at Coast Mental Health. We are encouraged and excited by the positive impact this artwork will have for the almost 6,000 people that we serve across 52 sites in Greater Vancouver, including in Burnaby. Many of the programs they benefit from simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors.”
