When visual acuity is insufficient, intimacy through space, sounds, and feelings offers a form of connection to another being that does not speak the language that we are normalized to. This experiential art exhibition invites viewers to engage in deep listening and felt-experience with the world of bees. The project is grounded in the traditional Chinese medicinal modality of meridian and philosophical frameworks of ecological perception and deep listening.

As you enter the exhibit, you will be surrounded by the hum of buzzing bees recorded in their natural habitat, filling the room and inviting connection with the sounds, allowing them to penetrate the senses. Through deep listening, you can experience the complex symphony of sounds that bees create as they communicate with one another.

As you explore the space, you'll encounter two interactive installations that invite you to engage with the sounds through touch: one is an object that will allow you to feel the bee vibrations with your hands (placed near the entrance of the Project Room) and the other is a raised platform, which will radiate vibrations through the feet, activating the body’s meridians. This form of healing invites you to connect with the energy of the bees and their environment, and feel a sense of grounding and balance. The vibration of the bees, combined with the deep listening experience, creates a powerful opportunity for healing and connection.

Elaine Chan-Dow is an accomplished photographer and multi-disciplinary artist based in Toronto. Her research-creation endeavours delve into the interconnected realms of behavioural science, botany, and art. She obtained her first degree in Urban Geography from the University of Toronto and later pursued her passion for photography by completing a second degree in the Image Arts program at Ryerson University and a Masters of Fine Art at York University.

Elaine's work received a SSHRC grant, focusing on the intricate relationship between memory, objects, and individuals with impaired cognitive abilities. Her exploration extends to embodied expression and the concept of personhood. Currently engaged in research-creation at Queen's University, her study revolves around the profound interconnectedness of art, human beings, and the natural world, emphasizing the significance of this relationship for biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability.

Elaine's artistic achievements have been featured in galleries in Toronto and New York. She has created impactful series such as "Libraria," which explores the evolution of literacy spaces; "For Memories," where she assembles objects that trigger nostalgic recollections; "Fragments," which investigates memory loss as a manifestation of embodied expression and self-identity; and most recently, a public installation displayed in Butterfield Park at OCAD University.

Her conceptual works have been permanently displayed at institutions like the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Arts Interior in Toronto, as well as in private collections. Elaine Chan-Dow's current artistic contributions offer profound insights into the intersection of art, human experiences, and the natural world.

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE ARTIST

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the curators, advisors, professors, and family, who have been instrumental in my artistic journey.