True North Absurdities

True North Absurdities is a Calgary-based interactive art collective founded by self-taught metal artists Kyle Jensen and Ian Rice, who combine sculpture, technology, and flame effects to achieve “absurd levels of creativity.” Their signature style features low-poly geometric steel sculptures ranging from 7 to 10 feet tall, illuminated by hundreds of addressable LEDs and equipped with interactive fire-breathing capabilities. Notable creations include “The Notorious B.A.D.” (a 1,000-pound, 10-foot fire-breathing dragon that took over 1,000 hours to build), “Trippity Twitchit” (Super Mario-inspired piranha plants shooting 20-foot fireballs), “Koda” (a 9-foot waving bear), “Aurora” (a contemplative owl evoking northern lights), and “Prairie Fire” (a rearing horse with flaming nostrils).

Featured at major festivals including Burning Man, Beakerhead, Chinook Blast, Night Light Victoria Park, Freezer Burn, and outside the Calgary Flames’ Saddledome, True North Absurdities focuses on interactivity—inviting participants to become part of the art by pressing buttons that trigger dramatic flame effects and mesmerizing light displays. Rice is a ticketed gas fitter who ensures all fire installations meet Calgary Fire Department safety standards. The duo builds rentable touring installations from their workshop in Bragg Creek, Alberta, creating experiences that combine the thrill of fire, the magic of light, and the wonder of massive steel creatures coming to life.