A Whale of a Tale Through the embodiment of a 36-ft.long, five-ton steel whale sculpture, the artist’s intention was to provide a conversation about the future of our planet, and all existing life. The central attraction at Montreal’s annual interactive art installation Luminothérapie was Echoes—A Voice from Uncharted Waters. Created by sculptor and multidisciplinary artist, Mathias Gmachl, the 36-ft. long, five-ton steel-framed, LED-illuminated whale was on public display in the Place des Festivals. Gmachl created his work over a 12-month period in his London studio with the technical guidance of marine biologists for the work’s shape. This sculpture is modeled on a one-yearold blue whale. Illumination from red and gold LEDs represents an ocean sunset. Recorded ocean soundscapes are heard as an auditory extension of the graceful, glowing, monumental whale. Viewing is from a determined distance around the whale and the lights and sound shut down if anyone comes too close. The system represents Gmachl’s interpretation of the negative impact of people on natural systems and the environment. “I wanted to provide an open space—a platform—for the public to have conversations about the future of our planet. Not just about whales, but of all life that exists. The need to create room to learn, and dream, of a better future feels more pressing than ever. The installation is my small contribution towards a larger shift in the narratives and actions needed,” said Gmachl. Echoes—A Voice from Uncharted Waters was co-produced in collaboration with MuseumsQuartier Wien, Vienna, Austria and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Lugano, Switzerland. It was © Quartier des Spectacles
shown initially in Vienna, before being transported to Montreal and will next be on view in Lugano.•
A WHALE OF AN EXHIBIT The 36-ft. long, five-ton steel-framed, LED-illuminated whale was displayed in the Place des Festivals at Montreal’s interactive art installation Luminothérapie, an annual celebration of Montreal in winter.
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