Eco Illuminescence: A Sensory Crossing
Artist Statement
Establishing a dialogue between visual installation and improvised performance, I transforms portable multi-sensory stage elements — lanterns of translucent fabrics and upcycled materials, and curtains of sumi-e painting—into a platform for ad-hoc performances using light and shadow. Sumi-e painting and animal-shaped lanterns become part of this exploration of seasonal rhythms and the artist’s perspective as a BIPOC individual living with disability, with a focus on conveying joy. Central to my practice is the development of lightweight, portable staging solutions that enable this integration of installation and live art.
Eco Illuminescence offers an immersive sensory experience, where traditional sumi-e paintings, complementary sculptural lanterns, upcycled objects, and fabric forms converge with the artist’s improvised actions. Through the interplay of light, shadow, and the tactile qualities of the materials, the exhibition invites the audience to a unique ‘sensory crossing,’ blurring the boundaries between visual art and performance.
Artist Bio
Ann K Chou is an emerging BIPOC interdisciplinary artist, user experience strategist, and interaction researcher who is hard of hearing and on the Autism spectrum. Her artistic practice includes lanterns, puppet making, and sumi-e painting, and explores accessibility and inclusion through tactile and multisensory experiences in multi-modal venues. Chou is also involved in Cross-disability Screendance and Japanese dance. Her creative work, which includes a transition into performance, is rooted in sustainable practices and a resourceful use of materials, influenced by her upbringing and lived experience. Drawing on ‘draw-aloud’ symptom challenges, grounding, and patient explanation models, her work in the health field empowers patient agency and explores multi-modal expressive communication. Lanterns have been shown in Victoria and Vancouver. As a former BC Culture Days ambassador for the Accessibility/Inclusion/Resilience series, Chou is passionate about creating art that minimizes barriers to participation and fosters connection.
You can visit Ann at www.annereflection.ca, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/erikvolet and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@annchou9171
Opening night:
Friday, June 6, 2025, 7 to 9 p.m.
Artist Performance: June 22, 3:00 pm
Gallery hours:
Continues every weekend from Saturday, June 7 until Sunday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Xchanges gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia and the Capital Regional District for our gallery programs.
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