Gem Reflection (formerly titled Crystal Maze) was made for The Art Gallery of Ontario’s annual fundraiser. It is an immersive installation that invites viewers to walk amongst a series of 12 glowing acrylic structures, constructed of wood, adhesives, acrylic paint and LED lights. The piece was created to fit within the event’s theme “Crystal”. The shapes and colours reference gemstones, reflecting how they’re created and the value we imbue them with. Formed below the earth’s surface over billions of years, gemstones are precious objects. In contrast, acrylic is a common plastic, created for temporary, disposable uses.

Through the production of this piece we grew increasingly conscious of the ephemeral nature of a one night art event and the waste incurred. Furthermore, as we continue to create and dispose of human made objects such as plastic, they will end up as technofossils within the layers of our earth.

How can we treat these events and projects differently? How can we use these opportunities to educate the public and the art world? How can we align material and meaning within our work and daily lives?

Co-creator: Justin Pape