#VJContest

[vjsmag]

Mapping Festival 2023 Celebrates Low Tech Art

The highly anticipated Mapping Festival 2023 is set to take place from May 18th to Sunday, May 28th, with a particular emphasis this year on low tech art. The outdoor event will be held at Jardin des Nations, offering audiences a unique experience to engage with performances that ingeniously use salvage and human energy as a source of creativity. In keeping with the low tech theme, the festival will showcase works that are low-carbon and environmentally friendly, providing a platform for artists who create minimal impact on the environment. The musical line-up will be hosted on a small stage built from local wood, constructed in association with La Barje, a community organization already present on the site. A notable highlight of the festival is the Salle de Sonance, an immersive sound space imagined by Alican Okan and constructed by the MelUsine collective using reclaimed wood from the site. Alican Okan, a composer and sound artist from Istanbul, is known for his passion for creating instruments from recycled materials. The MelUsine collective aims to train individuals to be autonomous and foster a sense of community through shared skills and services. Geneva-based artist Thierry Anderegg will showcase his remarkable sculptures, “The Fitness Monster” and “La Macchina Infernale”, which are animated by human strength. His work echoes the bizarre and humorous style of Swiss artist Tinguely, incorporating elements of science fiction and engaging audiences through an interactive ballet of movement, sound, and light. The festival also features a unique electro-solar concert by DJ Nøs and Antoine Meissonnier. DJ Nøs will utilize a bicycle-cargo-sound system powered by photovoltaic panels, while Antoine will interactively project captured light objects in sync with the music. This collaborative performance promises to be a sensorial feast, merging Antoine's textured visuals with Nøs' contemplative sounds. Renowned artist Oilhack is set to perform live, creating a stunning spectacle of color using his world-famous oils, while Troffea Bahn will take attendees on a psychedelic journey with his acid techno DJ sets. For children, an interactive upcycling workshop called “Joue à ton rythme” provides an intuitive approach to music, encouraging participants to create their own instruments from everyday objects. In a collaboration with Out of the Box & Cap Loisirs, the festival will present "Triphonie", an inclusive concert created by visual artists, amateur musicians, and professionals, with and without disabilities. The performance is set to offer a sensory experience that may hold some surprises for audiences. Rounding off the festival will be the performance "Demystifying the Æther" by Félicien Goguey and Matthias Hurtl, a culmination of a five-day workshop exploring electromagnetic waves. This year's Mapping Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of low tech creativity, offering a diverse lineup of performances, installations, and workshops that blend art, music, and technology in unique and environmentally-friendly ways. The Mapping Festival 2023 is not only a platform for established artists but also encourages budding creators to showcase their talent. The “VJ Contest” is a testament to this spirit, where new artists are invited to take part in a live visual performance competition. The contestants will be evaluated by a panel of seasoned professionals in the field. This exciting event ensures the festival's commitment to fostering creativity at all levels. For those interested in acquiring new skills, the festival has arranged a series of educational programs. Workshops focusing on low tech tools and methods will be conducted by artists like Alican Okan and Félicien Goguey. These hands-on sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of low-tech art and its potential for environmental sustainability. The festival also acknowledges the importance of critical discussions in the field of art and technology. A series of round tables will provide a space for dialogue and debate, where artists, researchers, and the public can discuss various topics related to the intersection of technology, art, and society. The evening performances will be a sensory delight, with the festival grounds turning into an arena of interactive light and sound installations. Among these, the 'Interactive Fire Garden' by Cie Carabosse promises to be a crowd-puller. It's a magical installation where fire becomes a medium of art, bringing warmth, light, and a unique beauty to the space. The festival finale is a spectacle not to be missed. The closing party features artists such as DJ Windows XP, Kassiel, and Oilhack, promising a night filled with vibrant music and visuals. Attendees will have the opportunity to dance the night away, surrounded by the immersive, low tech art that has defined the festival. True to its core theme of low tech art, Mapping Festival 2023 is set to provide attendees with a unique blend of art and technology. Its focus on environmental sustainability and inclusivity makes it a significant event on the cultural calendar. By providing a platform for artists who push the boundaries of creativity while minimizing environmental impact, the festival sets a precedent for future cultural events.

Conclusion

The Mapping Festival 2023 aims to create an immersive, innovative, and engaging art experience while raising awareness about environmental sustainability. It's an invitation to all to come and explore the limitless potential of creativity when it's harmoniously combined with a commitment to our planet. Read the full article

[katnaj]