Bloom

Model, 24x12x10 

Amani-Safaa Bhatti (she/her), Sheena Xu (she/her), BDCI, 1st year 

Artwork Description: Bloom is a pavilion situated in University District that aims to intertwine the developing city with the environment. The organic form created from inorganic material represents the harmony that can arise between the two if such a concept is pursued. 

Amani-Safaa Bhatti (she/her)

Artist's Bio:  I am a student in the BDCI program at the University of Calgary. I was born and raised in Calgary with several visits to England and the different cultures and built environments in both places have influenced how I perceive the city. I like to create art in various mediums such as acrylics, pigment powders and digitally as well. This year, I also started to model building, which I enjoy when I don’t have a deadline!         

Artist's statement: I aspire to create works that have lasting impressions on people. Whether I design something architectural or artistic, I want there to be significant meaning in each piece that allows for questioning and various interpretations of a work for all individuals. With how quickly our world changes and continues to adapt, I believe it becomes more important to create art that remains, whether physically in place or within people’s memories, rather than trying to rapidly create pieces with no meaning.

Artist's contact info: amanisafaabhatti@gmail.com 

Sheena Xu (she/her)

Artist's statement: Having grown up surrounded by art of all mediums, I have always loved design and creating art. Drawing, painting, music, and design have always been passions of mine, which have influenced me to join University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. I hope to complete my Bachelor of Design in City Innovation and move onto a future in architectural design, and my hope is to connect with people through my art and practice.         

Artist's statement: While practising architectural design, I attempt to connect the design to my personal background and story, as well as to the history behind the site and surrounding area. I feel it is important to pay homage to the location my design will reside within. I believe that adding my personal ideologies and values into the design is a crucial part of architectural design. I am also constantly inspired by the beauty of nature, and many natural elements are typically integrated into my designs through imagery, materiality, or ideology. 

Artist's contact info: sheenaxu05@gmail.com