Sammy Chien-MacCaull

We’re so honoured to announce that our company Chimerik 似不像 @chimerikco is now represented by Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) @afentertainment_official , an international arts management organization. We met the Founder & CEO, Aaron @faaron18 this past year at PuSh festival @pushfestival and was so impressed with his unique life experiences, entrance to the arts and his relational values. After our meeting, we had many meaningful exchanges about future international collaborations. This is such a crucial moment for us to take our career and our collaborations to the next level. We are so grateful to be represented by such a wonderful agent and their team. Thank you Gabrielle @ga.ma14 for the wonderful introduction! #AFE #Chimerik #ArtistAnnouncement #agent #signed #ContemporaryPerformance #ArtsCollaboration #GlobalVoices #international #exchange 📷 @carla_alcantaraphotography

Sharing a highlight of @ritualspective Ritual-Spective 迴融: Weaving with light, thank you @vanartgallery for making this video and sharing with us 分享一下我們近期在溫哥華美術館的精采回顧 Big thank you shoutout again to @lynnototo and @sirishr for this wonderful event. Art Party at Vancouver Art Gallery May 11th, 2024
 In collaboration with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week @vancouverindigenousfashionweek + surprise collab with OURO Collective @ourocollective Credits: A Chimerik 似不像 Project Media Artist: Sammy Chien @soar55 Creative Collaborator: Caroline MacCaull @carolinemaccaull Project Assistants: Roshni Riar @arekayare , Kathy Feng @kathyfng , Gerry Sung @scopescaga Visual Art Contributor: Jackson Chien 簡志雄 @chienartstudio 

In collaboration with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, we’ve integrated works of four prominent local Salish weavers: qʷənat, Angela George (səlilwətaɬ/Tsleil-Waututh); Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish); Skwetsimeltxw Willard “Buddy” Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish); and Qwasen, Debra Sparrow (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm/Musqueam) 
Presented by Vancouver Art Gallery #vancouver #vancouverartist #vancouverart #vancouverartgallery #artparty #interactiveart #newmedia #newmediart #localevents #ritualspective #installation #FUSE #chimerik #sammychien #jacksonchien #painting

Today, on International Dance Day, we’re reflecting on the power of movement as a language beyond borders, words, and form. These images from Inner Sublimity, captured by photographer Sayna Ghaderi @saynaghaderi offer a glimpse into our ongoing exploration of spirit, identity, and interconnectedness through dance and technology. Co-presented by PuSh @pushfestival and the Vancouver Art Gallery @vanartgallery , this work invites us to move through complexity, multiplicity, and stillness—together. With gratitude to all who continue to push the edges of what dance can be. Project Credits: A Chimerik 似不像 Project (@chimerikco ) Co-Creators/Media Artists/Performers: Sammy Chien (@soar55 ) & Caroline MacCaull (@carolinemaccaull ) Sound Composer: Giorgio Magnanensi (feat. Chris Rolfe, Ambient Series #11) (@giominz ) Poetry & Video Operation: Roshni Riar (@arekayare ) Land-based Ritual Facilitator: Starr Muranko (@starr_wind ) Dramaturg: Claire French (@clairefrenchchoreographs ) Costume Designer: Margherita Barbieri / UNDOStudio (@_undostudio ) Lighting Design: @jonovisionkim , adaptation & operation by @vanka.cs Sound Installation Assistant: @gistofgemma Interactive Sensor Support: Ove Holmqvist (Holonic Systems) (@ove.holmqvist @holonic.systems ) This project is supported by @dance_victoria Chrystal Dance Prize, @bcartscouncil and @canada.council #InternationalDanceDay #InnerSublimity #Chimerik #NewMediaPerformance #InterdisciplinaryArt #dancetechnology

"We are drawn to the possibility that performance could be both sacred and contemporary, and that technology could exist alongside ritual without diminishing its depth." This month’s Member Spotlight is Sammy & Caroline Chien-MacCaull, Co-Artistic Directors of Chimerik 似不像. Together they share their artistic path, the inspiration behind the work their company creates and the impact dance has had on their lives. Photo by Sayna Ghaderi #TheDanceCentre @chimerikco @soar55 @carolinemaccaull

Gratitude to arts journalist Tessa Perkins Deneault for the beautiful writing in response to our show SI(x) @six.performance at @vidfestival “Dig deep to find The words buried Yet falling through your fingers like Sand slipping silently All-consuming hexagonal hex Spiritual, ritual, aflame See yourself in the candlelight, see yourself in a flame Push and pull as vibrations roll through you Everything is vibration, timelines looping It will get better Still if you ask me How I’m holding up, I’ll say Never better With flaming candles dripping wax onto a hexagonal stage of 2,000 lbs of sand, octophonic sound vibrating through the space, strobe lighting and a deeply personal emotional journey, Chimerik 似不像’s SI(x) is intense in every way. Caroline Chien-MacCaull maintains a deep emotional intensity and grounded, fluid yet at times imperceptibly slow movement as Sammy Chien-MacCaull supports her performance behind a computer and soundboard. It begins tenderly and ends raw and profoundly vulnerable. Words projected from above pile on top of Caroline as she becomes one with the sand, inviting us into her inner world, and we willingly accept.” 
Tonight’s show is sold out as well but there are still tickets left for the added closing show on Sunday. 
 Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall
 TICKETS at the link in bio #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia #spiritualism

“An extremely intense, moving, disorienting ritual of distorted reality, perception, time, and self…prepare for a mass of sound and strobe that will melt you.” “So close to a public panic attack…A++ for relentless perceptual nightmare visuals and soundscape.” “Truth and energy never lie…this performance has transported me like no other.” “I was absolutely transported…you brought me to tears with your truth and energy.” “Touch, hearing, sight…once you step inside, it becomes a life sentence…an ultimate parable about trauma and vulnerability.” “An overwhelming assault of the senses…incredible art piece…I left stunned. Words don’t really do it justice.” Sharing some of the audience responses we got from the opening show last night. 

Tonight’s show is sold out as well but there are still tickets left for the closing show on Sunday. 
 It was so lovely to see our homies showing up to support us. We are so grateful for such wonderful audiences last night. 
Looking forward to share the 2 remaining performances
Mar 14, 9:00pm Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall
 TICKETS at the link in bio Credits A Chimerik 似不像 project @chimerikco Co-Director / New Media Artist / Embodied Performer: Caroline Chien-MacCaull @carolinemaccaull Co-Director / New Media Artist / Live Sound Performer: Sammy Chien-MacCaull @soar55 Technical Director / Production Manager / New Media Operator: Andrea Joy Rideout Dramaturge / Collaborator: Marcus Youssef Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell Mentor: Raïna von Waldenburg Mental Health Advisor / Dance Movement Psychotherapist: Allison Vicente Sound Engineer: Jamez Goodon Research Collaborator: Ana Sosa Set & Prop Support: Vanka Salim, Victoria Bell, David Gowman, Ken Clarke Represented by: Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) Special thanks to: Deanna Peters, Raquel Alvaro, Dance In Vancouver, Pi Theatre, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Stefan Smulovitz/Kenaxis Surround, Wladimiro Woyno Rodriguez, Craig Boyko, David Cooper This project is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia #spiritualism

Sharing some of the interactive technology behind our project SI(x) @six.performance We are using real fire, real sand and having the movement of the air as part of the co-creators of the production. Some people were asking if the projection was just a video playback and how does it work? So we made a video to demonstrate the interactions of the fire and the video projection in preparation for the audience to see and enjoy our performance this weekend at @vidfestival 😊 Technology made with love with @troikatronix_isadora SI(x) emerges from our lived experience with mental health challenges and explores themes of Madness, perception, spirituality, care, and destigmatization. The piece moves between vulnerability and empowerment, asking how we hold one another through unseen or misunderstood conditions, and how expanded states of perception might also carry wisdom. Mediumistic, ritualistic, state-based movement. 2,000+ pounds of sand. Candle fire. Interactive video projection. Live 10 channel spatialized and tactile low-frequency sound. This work is meant to be felt in person. Mar 13, 9:00pm Mar 14, 9:00pm Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall TICKETS at the link in bio Credits A Chimerik 似不像 project Co-Director / New Media Artist / Embodied Performer: Caroline Chien-MacCaull @carolinemaccaull Co-Director / New Media Artist / Live Sound Performer: Sammy Chien-MacCaull @soar55 Technical Director / Production Manager / New Media Operator: Andrea Joy Rideout Dramaturge / Collaborator: Marcus Youssef Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell Mentor: Raïna von Waldenburg Mental Health Advisor / Dance Movement Psychotherapist: Allison Vicente Sound Engineer: Jamez Goodon Research Collaborator: Ana Sosa Set & Prop Support: Vanka Salim, Victoria Bell, David Gowman, Ken Clarke Represented by: Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) Special thanks to: Deanna Peters, Raquel Alvaro, Dance In Vancouver, Pi Theatre, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Stefan Smulovitz/Kenaxis Surround, Wladimiro Woyno Rodriguez, Craig Boyko, David Cooper This project is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia #spiritualism

Sharing some moments from the rehearsal of “SI(x)” as we are getting ready for our world premiere at @vidfestival Vancouver International Dance Festival 2026 this weekend. SI(x) @six.performance emerges from our lived experience with mental health challenges and explores themes of Madness, perception, spirituality, care, and destigmatization. The piece moves between vulnerability and empowerment, asking how we hold one another through unseen or misunderstood conditions, and how expanded states of perception might also carry wisdom. Mediumistic, ritualistic, state-based movement.
2,000+ pounds of sand.
Candle fire.
Interactive video projection.
Live spatialized and tactile low-frequency sound. This work is meant to be felt in person. Mar 13, 9:00pm Mar 14, 9:00pm Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall TICKETS at the link in bio Credits A Chimerik 似不像 project Co-Director / New Media Artist / Embodied Performer: Caroline Chien-MacCaull Co-Director / New Media Artist / Live Sound Performer: Sammy Chien-MacCaull Technical Director / Production Manager / New Media Operator: Andrea Joy Rideout Dramaturge / Collaborator: Marcus Youssef Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell Mentor: Raïna von Waldenburg Mental Health Advisor / Dance Movement Psychotherapist: Allison Vicente Sound Engineer: Jamez Goodon Research Collaborator: Ana Sosa Set & Prop Support: Vanka Salim, Victoria Bell, David Gowman, Ken Clarke Represented by: Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) Special thanks to: Deanna Peters, Raquel Alvaro, Dance In Vancouver, Pi Theatre, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Stefan Smulovitz/Kenaxis Surround, Wladimiro Woyno Rodriguez, Craig Boyko, David Cooper This project is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. 📷 @davidcooperphotography #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia #spiritualism

big thank you to David Cooper @davidcooperphotography for capturing these moments from our rehearsal of “SI(x)” @six.performance as we are getting ready for our world premiere at @vidfestival Vancouver International Dance Festival 2026 this week. SI(x) emerges from our lived experience with mental health challenges and explores themes of Madness, perception, spirituality, care, and destigmatization. The piece moves between vulnerability and empowerment, asking how we hold one another through unseen or misunderstood conditions, and how expanded states of perception might also carry wisdom. Mediumistic, ritualistic, state-based movement.
2,000+ pounds of sand.
Candle fire.
Interactive video projection.
Live spatialized and tactile low-frequency sound. This work is meant to be felt in person. Mar 13, 9:00pm Mar 14, 9:00pm Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall TICKETS at the link in bio Credits A Chimerik 似不像 project Co-Director / New Media Artist / Embodied Performer: Caroline Chien-MacCaull Co-Director / New Media Artist / Live Sound Performer: Sammy Chien-MacCaull Technical Director / Production Manager / New Media Operator: Andrea Joy Rideout Dramaturge / Collaborator: Marcus Youssef Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell Mentor: Raïna von Waldenburg Mental Health Advisor / Dance Movement Psychotherapist: Allison Vicente Sound Engineer: Jamez Goodon Research Collaborator: Ana Sosa Set & Prop Support: Vanka Salim, Victoria Bell, David Gowman, Ken Clarke Represented by: Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) Special thanks to: Deanna Peters, Raquel Alvaro, Dance In Vancouver, Pi Theatre, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Stefan Smulovitz/Kenaxis Surround, Wladimiro Woyno Rodriguez, Craig Boyko, David Cooper This project is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia spiritualism

Super excited for the world premiere of our new production SI(x) at the Vancouver International Dance Festival later this week. Sharing a few photos by @davidcooperphotography from yesterday’s tech run. SI(x) emerges from our lived experience with mental health challenges and explores themes of madness, perception, spirituality, care, and destigmatization. The piece moves between vulnerability and empowerment, asking how we hold one another through unseen or misunderstood conditions, and how expanded states of perception might also carry wisdom. Mediumistic, ritualistic, state-based movement. 2,000+ pounds of sand. Candle fire. Interactive video projection. Live spatialized and tactile low-frequency sound. This work is meant to be felt in person. Sliding scale tickets at the link in bio.

Thank you @thedancecentrebc for the member spotlight! Especially highlighting our upcoming new project SI(x) @six.performance at @vidfestival #contemporary #dance #centre #festival #performance

We’ve been working tirelessly on our brand new production SI(x) @six.performance We began this project in late 2024 at Dance In Vancouver, and it is now having its world premiere at VIDF Vancouver International Dance Festival 2026 @vidfestival This may be the highest production value performance we’ve ever created. We truly hope to share this work with you. SI(x) emerges from our lived experience with mental health challenges and explores themes of Madness, perception, spirituality, care, and destigmatization. The piece moves between vulnerability and empowerment, asking how we hold one another through unseen or misunderstood conditions, and how expanded states of perception might also carry wisdom. Mediumistic, ritualistic, state-based movement.
2,000+ pounds of sand.
Candle fire.
Interactive video projection.
Live spatialized and tactile low-frequency sound. This work is meant to be felt in person. Mar 13, 9:00pm Mar 14, 9:00pm Mar 15, 3:00pm at Russian Hall TICKETS at the link in bio Credits A Chimerik 似不像 project Co-Director / New Media Artist / Embodied Performer: Caroline Chien-MacCaull Co-Director / New Media Artist / Live Sound Performer: Sammy Chien-MacCaull Dramaturge / Collaborator: Marcus Youssef Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell Technical Director / Production Manager / New Media Operator: Andrea Joy Rideout Mentor: Raïna von Waldenburg Mental Health Advisor / Dance Movement Psychotherapist: Allison Vicente Sound Engineer: Jamez Goodon Research Collaborator: Ana Sosa Set & Prop Support: Vanka Salim, Victoria Bell, David Gowman, Ken Clarke Represented by: Aaron Fernandes Entertainment (AFE) Special thanks to: Deanna Peters, Raquel Alvaro, Dance In Vancouver, Pi Theatre, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Stefan Smulovitz/Kenaxis Surround, Wladimiro Woyno Rodriguez, Craig Boyko, David Cooper Early developmental phase contributors Roshni Riar, Kayleigh Sandomirsky, Claire French, Justin Mah This project is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. photo captured by Carla Alcántara @carla_alcantaraphotography #experimental #dance #performance #interactivemedia #spiritualism