Peter Gabriel’s new music video “i/o” features stunning visuals by Surrey-based KPU instructor Dr. Lee Beavington, blending nature and AI in harmony.
Gabriel’s Global Music Project Features Local Talent
A Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) instructor from Surrey, B.C., has made a splash on the international music scene. Dr. Lee Beavington, an interdisciplinary educator and ecologist, created the official music video for Peter Gabriel’s song i/o, released earlier this month.
A Vision Aligned with Ecology and Art
Beavington’s video, titled I Run Like Water, is rooted in ecological imagery and features breathtaking footage from British Columbia, SḴŦAḴ (Mayne Island), and the Colombian Amazon. The video reflects the themes of interconnection found in Gabriel’s lyrics—a concept that Beavington explores in both his teaching and research.
A Call for Creators: The 50:50 Initiative
The collaboration came through Gabriel’s 50:50 project, which invited global artists to visually interpret songs from his latest album. Under this initiative, artists share 50% of the revenue generated from the video with Gabriel. Beavington’s concept was selected from numerous global entries.
Weaving AI and Nature into One Narrative
To emphasize the link between humans and the more-than-human world, Beavington used AI-generated transitions between natural landscapes. This artistic decision reflects his critique of “human exceptionalism,” urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
Beavington, who recently received the 2025 West Coast Teaching Excellence Award, said the opportunity still feels surreal. “I’ve been a mega-fan since I was nine years old. I admire Gabriel not just for his music, but for his environmental and human rights advocacy,” he said.
Available Now
The video for i/o featuring Beavington’s visuals is now available on Peter Gabriel’s official YouTube channel. The collaboration stands as a proud moment for Canadian education, ecology, and art.
