Herald/Harbinger

Location: Brookfield Place Calgary, 225 6 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB

About the work

Heralding the dawn of Earth’s Anthropocene period, this artwork incorporates a collection of data feeds to illustrate the interrelationship between human activity in Calgary and the natural system of the Bow Glacier in the Canadian Rockies, which exists in a perpetual state of physical transformation.

Inside the lobby, the glacier’s real-time perturbations are visually juxtaposed against the aggregated trajectories of nearby pedestrians and vehicles in a sequence of overlapping visualizations, while outside on the plaza the glacier’s ceaseless activity is made visible and audible, creating a visceral public presence for this restless complex of ice, rock, and water.

About the artists

Ben Rubin is an American media artist known for his innovative work with text, sound, and data in public and architectural spaces. He creates immersive installations that transform language and information into dynamic visual experiences. A pioneer in the field of data-driven art, Rubin has exhibited internationally and collaborated with institutions like The New York Times and the Library of Congress. His work invites viewers to reflect on language, communication, and contemporary culture.

Jer Thorp is a Canadian data artist known for transforming complex datasets into engaging visual narratives. With a background in genetics and digital art, his work explores the intersection of science, technology, and culture. Thorp was the Data Artist in Residence at *The New York Times* and co-founded The Office for Creative Research. His projects invite public interaction with data, making abstract information accessible, meaningful, and emotionally resonant.