SUMmer @SPARK

Telus Spark Science Centre, Calgary

June 23 - July 31, 2023

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SUM-thing exciting has arrived at Telus Spark! We’ve put the PARK in SPARK with an art-based science installation suited for all of your social media content needs. Snap a few pics and create your very own SUMmer equations in this playful space created in collaboration with local artists Sydonne Warren, Natalia lonescu and Sumin Choi! You can check out the installation from now until September 4 at Telus Spark — and don’t forget to tag us in your photos!

Sydonne Warren

Mural & Interactive Puzzle

“Hot Bot Summer”

— Hot Bot Summer is an immersive art installation that seamlessly blends entertainment and education, inviting viewers on a journey where robots embrace the joys of summer. This exhibition creates a harmonious fusion of fun and science, delivering an engaging experience for all.

Natalia Ionescu

Mural

“ Bustle and Bloom”

— My mural design aims to capture the wonder and energy of natural environments through a vivid and surreal lens. Vibrant colours and bold shapes invite visitors to step, pose, and play within a magnified interpretation of the natural world. From blossoming flowers to wiggling tadpoles, the design highlights various lifecycles and journeys of organic lifeforms. The larger-than-life illustrations also place the viewer in an unconventional POV, playfully challenging their frame of reference and immersing them in the dynamic activity of biological organisms.

Sumin Choi

Digital Mural

“SUMmer-verse: Journey into the Infinite Delights of Summe”

— Inspired by cherished memories of my own childhood, I wanted to capture the essence of summer's boundless joy, treasured moments, and limitless imagination. SUMmer-verse is the realization of that dream, an immersive experience designed to transport visitors into the sheer delight of summertime. Each planet within the SUMmer-verse offers a unique escape to extraordinary realms inspired by the wonders of summer, from ice cream wonderlands to lemonade havens. This captivating experience seamlessly combines art and learning, inviting you to explore real planets while marveling at the vastness of outer space. It is my genuine hope that the visitors of Telus Spark join the adventure, where the enduring spirit of summer and the enchantment of twinkling stars converge.

Featured Artists

Featured

SYDONNE WARREN

Sydonne Warren, a visual artist originally from Jamaica but raised in Calgary, Alberta, is known for her vibrant and expressive portrait paintings. She studied Architectural Technologies and Graphic Design at SAIT, and went on to major in Graphic Design at AUARTS. Sydonne has been honing her craft since 2013, and has recently expanded into public art, starting to create works in public spaces in 2020. Her talents don't stop there, as in 2021, she founded a paint and sip business that teaches adults how to create their own expressive portraits. Her artistic abilities have been recognized with Diversity magazine's Artist of the Year Award, and her work has been featured in various local media outlets. Sydonne's portraits often feature black women and incorporate geometric elements, with bright contrasting colors, drips, and spatters adding depth and conveying her cultural experiences.

Sumin Choi (she/her)

Driven by her unwavering passion for art, Sumin made the bold decision to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time freelance artist. With a solid foundation in design and diverse mural projects, her vibrant and whimsical illustrations reflect her personality, aiming to inspire love and make a positive impact on the community. Her art carries messages of kindness, joy, and connection, forging a deep bond between the art and its viewers. With dedication and a belief in the power of art, Sumin envisions a future where her creations act as a catalyst for positive change, spreading joy and wonder far and wide. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, her captivating illustrations promise to leave a lasting imprint on the communities she touches.

Natalia Ionescu

Natalia Ionescu is a Romanian-Canadian illustrator and designer based in Calgary, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Design degree, with a major in Illustration from the Alberta University of the Arts. With a focus in communication design and visual development, Natalia’s illustrations explore a variety of stories, characters, and environments through a distinctly cute and playful visual approach. She is motivated by the power of visual storytelling, often exploring expressive figures, whimsical settings, and organic elements in her work.