"The basic themes are always the same. They may be summarized by notions such as self-determination, self-organization, and self-renewal; by the recognition of a systemic interconnectedness over space and time of all natural dynamics; by the logical supremacy of processes over spatial structures; by the role of fluctuations which render the law of large numbers invalid and give a chance to the individual and its creative imagination; by the openness and creativity of an evolution which is neither in its emerging and decaying structures, not in the end result, predetermined." (Erich Jantsch, Astrophysicist, The Self-Organizing Universe, p. 8)
The piece underscores the principle of emergence, where moments of instability, amplified by environmental fluctuations, birth novelty and transformation. Michna Palace, with its rich tapestry of history and evolution, provides the perfect backdrop for such a work. "e:merge" offers its viewers an immersive dive into the world where technology, art, and the profound intricacies of natural dynamics intertwine. The performance not only illuminates the palace but also casts a fresh light on the delicate balance between structure, process, and emergence in the universe.
Credits
Visual Artist & Art Director: Can Buyukberber
Sound Design: Başak Günak / Ah! Kosmos
Scenographer & Producer: Erdem Dilbaz / Nerdworking
Sound Design: Başak Günak / Ah! Kosmos
Scenographer & Producer: Erdem Dilbaz / Nerdworking
"The phenomenon of emergence takes place at critical points of instability that arise from fluctuations in the environment, amplified by feedback loops. Emergence results in the creation of novelty, and this novelty is often qualitatively different from the phenomenon out of which it emerged." (Fritjof Capra, The Tao of Physics)
SIGNAL | Prague Light Festival is the largest showcase of light art and emerging technologies in the Czech Republic. It is also the most-visited cultural event. SIGNAL turns the public spaces, squares, streets, and parks of Prague, into a giant and shining gallery. The festival offers technologically advanced light installations, including many interactive ones, as well as large-scale video mapping projections. Some of the works have already been successfully presented at light festivals abroad; however, a majority of the 20 featured projects has been created for their world premieres at SIGNAL.
The 2nd edition of the festival was visited by 463.000 people in 4 days ( official audience numbers )
Anaglyph 3D Glasses which enabled an immersive experience for audiences provided by Signal Festival.
The performance site, Michna Palace is one of the largest palaces in Prague. This early baroque Palace can be found adjacent to Kampa park in Lesser Town, close to and facing the River Vltava. Around 1580, Ottavio Aostalli built a summer palace here on the site of an old Dominican convent. In 1623 it was rebuilt in the Baroque style, but over time it became a ruin. In 1767 the Michna Palace was sold to the army and over the years it became a crumbling ruin. After 1918 it was converted into a sports centre with a training ground in the old palace garden. It is now the Museum of Physical Culture and Sport.
Glowing in the dark e:merge t-shirt designed by Can Buyukberber
Details of Visual Content
[ Still Frames from the Performance ]
Special thanks to Signal Festival Team, Lenka Jiroutova, Alzbeta Moreno, Gizem Renklidağ, Martin Posta, Pavel Seldak, Amar Mulabegovic & People of Prague