Art among the apples in a Hudson orchard this fall

Article content

A Hudson apple orchard will host a new outdoor art installation this fall featuring eight larger-than-life human figures among the trees.

Article content

Molecular beings, a facility of local artist Sonia Haberstich, it’s free to watch on Hudson’s Organic Garden until mid-October. It features transparent laser-cut silhouettes of men, women and children with brightly colored dots made from fused fluorescent pigments and epoxy. During the day, the figures add a touch of fantasy to the garden. After sunset, they are illuminated with black light to create an eerily magical scene.

Haberstroh said the dots are meant to evoke a molecular and cellular view of life that is a bit scientific and a bit hallucinatory. The molecules suggest changes, transition, altered states of consciousness, and the transition from life to death.

“We are all the same. We are all made of cells,” Haberstich said. “Everyone wants to separate themselves from others, but in reality we are all the same.”

Article content

While the molecules may seem inspired by the recent health crisis, the idea for the exhibit actually came up just weeks before the first pandemic shutdown last year. Haberstich had lived through the loss of both parents in five years, before facing a health crisis of his own with a treatment that promised only a 50% chance of success.

Starting with pen and ink, and then moving on to other mediums, Haberstich began creating “happy cells”, channeling hope through his art. In the end, the treatment worked. It was at the end of the display of those illustrations that he had a vision of the next evolution, which would become Molecular beings.

After the exhibition closes at Hudson’s Verger, Haberstich intends to take the show on the road, installing the figures in new settings, from forests to crumbling buildings, throughout Quebec and perhaps even beyond.

Article content

“Depending on how they are displayed, a new story will be created. It is an evolving project that will continue for a few more years at least, ”he said. “These pieces are a bit magical. Interesting what people get out of it. Everyone makes their own story. “

The exhibit continues through October 9 at 839 Main Rd., And can be viewed during the day during orchard business hours, or in the evening on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Haberstich will be in attendance during the evening displays. .

The orchard closes for apple picking at 5pm, but owner Annick Joanisse said the best time to come see the art installation is after dark.

“The night visits are really special because that’s where it really comes to life. The black lights and the glow of the molecules are really nice. It’s very cool.”