As we near the last month of Fall, there’s still time to explore fall exhibits at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
Whether you’re a fan of art or just want to disconnect from the outside world, there are two immersive experiences for audiences to experience.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is a public gallery dedicated to contemporary art. Since its opening in 1987, it has become a cultural institution that celebrates both Canadian and international contemporary artists.
Located at the Harbourfront Centre, the gallery is just a few minutes’ walk from the George Brown College Waterfront campus. Its main purpose is to offer free exhibitions throughout the year, making it an extremely budget-friendly activity for students seeking cultural experiences in the city.
The gallery is currently exhibiting two installations: Floating Sea Palace by the artist Lap-See Lam, and How Many Colors Has the Sea by the artist Charles Campbell.
Floating Sea Palace (2024) is a video installation that blends folklore, Cantonese opera, and shadow puppetry to explore themes of migration, cultural heritage, and identity. It is inspired by the Hong Kong myth of Lo Ting, a human-fish hybrid, and a real dragon ship called the Floating Restaurant Sea Palace.
The installation uses bamboo scaffolding and shadow animation to create an immersive environment. Before officially entering the installation, visitors are guided through a small corridor to help set the mood.
How Many Colors Has the Sea (2024) is an immersive experience exploring the legacy of colonization and the Middle Passage. The installation features a room with no light except for a large-scale sculpture hanging from the ceiling.
Visitors will find themselves surrounded by an audio installation displaying sounds of the sea, captured using hydrophones (underwater microphones). This gives the impression of a true dive into the depths of the ocean.
While standing there, visitors can hear waves, the singing of whales, and the sounds of something diving into the water—but they’ll need to stay for a while and enjoy the journey.
Both installations will be available until March. 2, 2025.
