RÉFLEXIONS COLORÉES
For the International Garden Festival at the Jardins de Métis in Grand Métis, Québec, a forested section of the gardens was wrapped in an equilateral triangle of green semi-reflective glass, capturing three pre-existing birch trees within its walls.
The form and limited dimensions of the wrapper produced an intimate, courtyard-like room that intensifies our perception of the forest.
From within the enclosure, the colour of the glass reinforces our sensitivity to spatial definition. Its semi-reflective surfaces generates enigmatic optical readings because of the 600 angle of glass corner intersections, the ever-changing conditions of daylight and seasons as well as the position of trees within and outside the enclosure.
Like a chameleon, in certain conditions of daylight, the installation is virtually imperceptible. It insinuates itself into its forest-like context by reflecting trees and visitors, creating the spectacle of people watching people and nature via the filter of reflection. However, with different conditions of daylight, the form is understood as an object, acting as a receptor for the concentrated shadows cast by the trees.
Intended to have been temporary, the installation has nevertheless withstood the elements and has been continuously presented at the festival since its installation in 2003.
