Towering among vibrant summer blooms, monumental iridescent bubbles transform the natural landscape of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, forming an immersive world of light and reflection as part of the newest seasonal exhibit.
“Evanescent,” the centerpiece installation series of the garden’s “Shimmering Summer” exhibit, will be open to visitors beginning June 6, and running until Sept. 20.
The large-scale bubble sculptures are designed to be an immersive experience for visitors of the 385-acre garden, capturing the “ephemerality and fragility of life” through the form of a bubble, according to the installation’s designer, Australian art duo Atelier Sisu.
“The installation emulates the ethereal quality and magic of bubbles, and our summer programming extends that playfulness for visitors of all ages,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of visitor events and programs for the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Zombolo told Pioneer Press the exhibit is part of a larger research effort at the garden to examine the ways art can interact with the natural world.
“[This exhibit] is all about art in nature and the playfulness of these sculptures. They’re interactive, they’re immersive…they’re engaging for everyone,” she said.
Zombolo added that this will be the first time Sydney-based Atelier Sisu, founded by Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield, will be featured in a U.S. botanical garden.
The majority of their sculptural installations are characterized by “abstract forms” of light and sound, designed to evoke emotional inclusivity and exploration, according to the installation’s website page.
Atelier Sisu got the idea to create “Evanescent,” which means “quickly fading” or “temporary,” during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zombolo said.
Similar to how natural bubbles evoke beauty and wonder before they disappear into the air, “Evanescent” is meant to reflect the fleeting or transient nature of life.
“Shimmering Summer” will kick off June 6 with a series of weekend events visitors are invited to participate in, including bubble performances, glass blowing, hula-hoop artists and live music shows.
These activities will continue for various weekends throughout the summer, Zombolo added.
“You can see [the sculptures], touch them, walk under them… it’s really a great way to get the families to come out here and enjoy nature, enjoy art in an interactive, immersive way.”
The installation will be available at multiple garden locations, including the lawn south of Buehler Enabling Garden, the water near the Serpentine Bridge, Farm on Ogden, Harvest Headquarters, the Visitor Center and the main exhibit on Festival Field.
Opening weekend activities are included with the purchase of an admissions ticket and will run at Festival Field from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both June 6 and 7.
A Garden View Cafe pop-up will also offer light bites and refreshments like “bubble skewers” and bubble tea available for purchase.
Other summer events for the Chicago Botanic Garden’s most popular season include a music programming series on the Esplanade every Monday and Wednesday evening, game nights every Thursday beginning June 18 and weekend events like the Heirloom Tomato Fest in late August.
Public summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for members, seven days a week.
Ticket costs range from $22.95 for an adult resident of Cook County to $24.95 for an adult non-resident, and $14.95 to $16.95 for a child (ages 3-12) Cook County resident and non-resident. Children under the age of 2 get in for free.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing this progress throughout the summer and seeing how it will work with one artist featured in multiple locations,” Zombolo said.
“It’s a great way to enjoy nature and appreciate the beauty of the garden and all that it has to offer.”
