Luminous Origins — A Projection Dialogue Between Faith, Science & Art
🎨 Artist Statement
💡 Project Overview
Luminous Origins is my large-scale projection-mapped light installation that transforms the façade of the Remai Modern into a living canvas of light and motion.
Through laser art, projection mapping, and sound, the project visualizes the unity of cosmic birth, biological evolution, and human consciousness — interpreting creation as a shared continuum between science and faith.
Key Themes
- Light as Knowledge — photons become galaxies; data transforms into sacred geometry.
- Matter & Meaning — neurons, roots, and stars pulse as one living system.
- Human Reflection — the faces of Saskatoon’s community emerge in light, symbolizing consciousness bridging spirit and science.
🌍 Artistic Rationale
Artistic Merit
- Innovation: Combining projection mapping, laser art, and AI-generated visual motifs.
- Collaboration: Engaging local digital artists, composers, and scientists.
- Cultural Dialogue: Weaving Indigenous cosmologies into conversations on contemporary science.
- Accessibility: Free, public, multilingual, and inclusive presentation.
🌐 Impact & Public Engagement
Local Impact
- Activates downtown Saskatoon through accessible, large-scale public art.
- Offers Light as Language workshops that invite community participation and creative dialogue.
National Reach
- Demonstrates how technology and spirituality intersect within Canadian artistic practice.
- Shares digital documentation through my website shovonazad.xyz and partner channels.
Educational Collaboration
- Builds partnerships with the University of Saskatchewan (Art & Physics departments).
- Engages youth through the Science of Faith digital platform (with an audience of over 80K).
🎯 Goals
- To unite scientific and spiritual narratives through immersive, light-based art.
- To help position Saskatoon as a national hub for interdisciplinary creativity and innovation.
- To empower fellow Canadian artists working at the intersection of digital media and consciousness studies.
- To inspire reflection on the unity of intellect, emotion, and faith as complementary ways of understanding reality.
⚙️ Feasibility & Sustainability
Partners:
Remai Modern Museum, University of Saskatchewan, and a collective of local digital and sound artists.
📅 Project Timeline
| Phase | Dates | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Research & Concept Development | Jan–Feb 2026 | Scriptwriting, visual concept, collaboration with scientists & cultural advisors |
| Design & Previsualization | Mar–Apr 2026 | 3D modeling of the Remai façade, AI-visual tests, soundtrack sketches |
| Production & Fabrication | May–Jul 2026 | Visuals, sound, laser programming, and community workshops |
| Installation & Testing | Aug 2026 | Setup and calibration with the Remai Modern technical team |
| Public Presentation | Sept 2026 | 3-night projection event with artist talks |
| Documentation & Dissemination | Oct–Dec 2026 | Photography, film, publication, and final reporting |
💰 Budget Summary (CAD)
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Fees (Lead + Team) | $15,000 | Myself, 2 collaborating artists, and 2 technicians |
| Projection & Laser Equipment | $30,000 | High-lumen projectors, lensing, rigging |
| Visual & Software Development | $10,000 | AI visuals, coding, art software |
| Sound Composition & Licensing | $3,000 | Original score production |
| Community Workshops | $2,000 | Venue, materials, facilitators |
| Documentation & Dissemination | $5,000 | Filming, editing, web presence |
| Admin & Contingency | $5,000 | 10% buffer |
| Total | $70,000 | ($60,000 requested + $10,000 in-kind) |