SURFACE HEALING
Introspection & Intention
In his upcoming EP Surface Healing, Mok-T (Hugo Fournier) explores the connections between different sensations of calm and depth—whether experienced physically through immersion in water, or mentally during moments of peace or respite. The depths of “deep” music, the feeling of community, the promises of the night, shared passions around certain artistic experiences, and the wonder of discovering new ones…
All of these are essential forms of release for a generation seeking ways to decompress—offering a response to the global phenomenon of brutalization, the systemic erosion of mental health, and the anxiety of living in a world on fire.
An immersive dive
The sense of calm felt during a dive is partly due to a physiological mechanism known as the dive reflex.
Present in all mammals, this ancestral reflex is triggered when the face comes into contact with water. It causes an immediate slowing of the heart rate, similar to the effects of meditation or deep breathing. This slowdown helps reduce stress and supports emotional regulation.
In a surprisingly similar way, certain live audiovisual experiences can induce a comparable state: a full sensory immersion that soothes recenters, and disconnects from the outside world.
An Audiovisual Journey
This project explores the metaphorical connections between calm and depth.
Between the physiological aspect of the dive reflex and the symbolism of its impact on the human body, the artists aim to draw a parallel with our relationship to mental health and emotional healing—highlighting, above all, the cathartic role that artistic expression can play in this process.
The show unfolds like an odyssey, drifting between slow, introspective states of surrender and vivid emergences filled with both intensity and light. By embracing a vulnerable and optimistic intentionality, Surface Healing is designed to resonate with diverse audiences.
LOCALISATION | Satosphere, Société des Arts Technologiques, Montréal, Canada
DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION | Hugo Fournier, Bar Rubinstein, Isotone Studio
DATE | Mutek 26the edition, August 2025
A SPECIAL THANKS TO | Mutek, Société Des Arts Technologiques, Jean-Patrice Rémillard