Avenida Houston will be walking on a dream this summer for the world premiere of Weci | Koninut, an immersive outdoor installation that weaves indigenous storytelling, sensory technology, and visual arts.
In collaboration between Houston First, and Quebec companies Creos and Init, Weci | Koninut comprises of a series of immense dreamcatchers equipped with immersive sound and visuals where nature and dreams coalesce in a “dreamlike forest” creating a portal into ancestral dreams and territories.
The installation enables visitors to immersive themselves in a sensory journey of the Atikamekw’s culture of six seasons. Equipped with light and sound technology, each dreamcatcher structure – when activated by nearby pedestrians – evokes a season, from pre-winter (Pitcipipon) to autumn (Takwakin).
Inspired by the Atikamekw people’s sacred territory of Notcimik, the installation is a celebration of indigenous cultures through cross-generational storytelling. First Nation artists, Julie-Christina Pitcher and Dave Jenniss, originally conceived the dreamcatcher installation.
“Bringing Weci | Koninut to Houston underscores our efforts to make the city a global destination for culture and innovation,” said president and CEO at Houston First Corporation, Michael Heckman.
“This unique installation offers our community an exciting immersion into the richness of Native traditions and celebrates the importance of art in building bridges between peoples.”
Creos is a Québec-based, family-owned agency specializing in temporary interactive installations that transform public spaces into engaging destinations. Serving as a bridge between artists, owners, and presenters, Creos tours its installations globally.
“Making Weci | Koninut accessible and visible beyond our borders is a great source of pride for Creos,” said Director of Business Development and co-founder of Creos, Alexandre Lemieux, in a press release.
“This unifying work epitomizes our commitment to making meaningful interactive installations travel the world, while transforming public spaces into environments that foster contemplation, dialogue and intercultural connections.”
The Weci | Koninut dreamcatcher installation debuts at Avenida Houston on Thursday, June 26.