Prairie Fire

On view Nov. 6–15

True North Absurdities | Calgary, Canada

Prairie Fire is a 9-foot-tall interactive fire and light sculpture of a rearing horse, built from faceted aluminum and mounted on a heavy steel base. LED lighting from below highlights the horse’s angular form after dark, while its bold silhouette remains easy to recognize during the day.

But Prairie Fire really comes alive when visitors get involved. Pressing the illuminated activation button triggers a controlled one-second burst of flame—reaching 7 to 10 feet into the air—from the horse’s mouth. Each burst turns the sculpture into a shared moment of light, heat, and excitement.

Created by Calgary-based True North Absurdities, Prairie Fire is a contemporary take on one of the West’s most recognizable symbols. The horse represents strength, independence, movement, and the wide-open landscape, shared by both Alberta and Arizona. At Canal Convergence, fire and light add another layer to that story, creating a striking contrast with the water of the canal and inviting visitors to become part of the experience. 

About True North AbsurditiesTrue North Absurdities

True North Absurdities is a Calgary, Alberta-based artist duo made up of Kyle Jensen and Ian Rice. Founded in 2017, the studio creates interactive public art that combines steel and aluminum fabrication, LED lighting, technology, and controlled flame effects. Their work is built around a simple idea: public art should be something people can experience and participate in, not just view from a distance. Jensen and Rice bring backgrounds in fabrication, flame effects, and technical production to their work.

Their sculptures have been presented at festivals and public events across Canada and the United States, including Burning Man, Portland Winter Light Festivals, Western Lights in Reno, Beakerhead, Chinook Blast, Night Light, and Calgary Flames games. True North Absurdities continues to create playful, technically ambitious installations designed to bring people together through light, interaction, and a little unexpected spectacle.

Instagram: @TNA.Creations 

Facebook: @TrueNorthAbsurdities 

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