SIGNAL FESTIVAL 2024: IMMERSIVE LIGHT INSTALLATIONS AND DIGITAL ART AT PRAGUE'S ICONIC LANDMARKS

SpY Orb, Prague Castle

There’s something truly magical about wandering the streets of Prague during Signal Festival. For twelve years now, every mid-October, the city becomes a living canvas, blending the historical grandeur of its architecture with the vibrant pulse of digital art.

This year was no different. And, since I was in Prague during this time, for the first time in years, it was only natural for me to dive into the magic on a Friday night, trying to cover as much of both festival routes as possible.

I started out in Kunsthalle, in the paid “Gallery Zone” portion of the festival. The gallery is home to the “Strange Attractions” show by United Visual Artists which was recommended by the festival founder himself. I liked it and I think you might too (it’s on display at the gallery for a few days after the official end of the festival on October 13). That said, one of my absolute highlights was the SpY ORB in the South Gardens of Prague Castle. It’s a glowing sphere that felt both otherworldly and perfectly in tune with the impressive castle surroundings. There’s something about the way it just hangs there in the dark, drawing you in with its simplicity and size. I found myself standing there mesmerized, taking in the sight (and trying to find the best angle to capture the sculpture) as the light shifted subtly across the orb’s surface.

Another standout for me was the Dimensional Sampling by Cao Yuxi at Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square). This LED projection installation transformed a portion of the square with its dynamic, cube-shaped light show. It felt surreal, juxtaposed with the medieval architecture of the House at the Stone Bell and the Tyn Church nearby. I was completely captivated by the interplay of light and shadow as the cube pulsed and glowed, almost like a beacon of the future in the heart of old Prague.

Of course, the Gallery Zone is a must-see if you want to dive even deeper into the festival. Besides the UVA work at Kunsthalle, I managed to see the installation by Seohyo at the Prague Castle Riding Hall and genuinely enjoyed it.

It’s one thing to see these installations, but the experience of exploring both the Hradčany and Centrum routes really lets you dive into the full spectrum of what Signal Festival offers. From digital projections on the Archbishop’s Palace to the surreal sculptures in Sternberg Palace, every turn reveals something new and unexpected. I’m glad I ventured out into the evening to take it all in.

If you’re in Prague in October, do yourself a favor and experience this festival—it’s a feast for the senses, and you won’t regret it!

If you're interested in exploring more about contemporary art and immersive travel experiences, I recommend checking out Loves Art Will Travel’s post on discovering Uhelny Mlyn, a hidden contemporary gallery just outside Prague. The blog delves into the charm of this industrial-modern space, much like Signal Festival’s own exploration of blending history and modern art. You can read more about it here

YAYOI KUSAMA HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT AT THE SERRALVES MUSEUM IN PORTO

Porto. A city best known for its “shabby chic” tiled architecture, vertigo-inducing iconic bridges and countless brands of Port wine from the Douro valley is currently also playing host to a fabulous art show by Yayoi Kusama. The local Serralves museum has organized a show called “YAYOI KUSAMA: 1945 TO NOW” that is on display through the end of September.

It was only natural, then, that I took myself and my fortunately very willing friend to see the show during a recent visit to Porto. The start was not for the faint-of-heart. Long lines stretching round the block almost immediately made us question the wisdom of going on a Sunday (especially on a day that was free of charge for local residents), but fortunately, once the museum gates opened, the line moved quickly and within a few minutes we were inside, ready to see Ms. Kusama.

The show, featuring about 160 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations, covers Kusama’s avant-garde vision from the 1940s through present time, focusing on the different aspects of her interest in interconnection and reflections on natural cycles of regeneration. You will see videos from the artist’s life, her evolving style of painting and her playful installations - from the iconic yellow pumpkins to a profound childlike joy-inducing black and white dotted infinity room (a nice benefit - unlike during the Zwirner show in New York, the wait time here lasts minutes rather than hours! And yes, you will have a lot of fun. We sure did.)

This exhibition is organised by M+, Hong Kong in collaboration with the Serralves Foundation and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, curated by Doryun Chong and Mika Yoshitake, supported by Isabella Tam.

For those who are craving even more contemporary art, Porto offers its Art District centered around the Rue de Miguel Bombarda that is lined with many smaller galleries - from Presenca gallery on one end to the more commercial Tilsitt gallery on the other end. Other great galleries are sprinkled throughout the city, such as the great Nuno Centeno or Lehmann + Silva. Just make sure you time your visit after the summer holiday when many galleries close.

Where to stay? Porto is a very walkable city (well, if you don’t mind the cobble stoned streets and its hilly landscape - this is definitely a sneaker town, leave your heels at home) so pick an accommodation that is centrally located. We stayed at the Pousada do Porto and loved its quiet room right off the major pedestrian zone.

Bem vindo ao Porto!

Expanding the Kusama Experience: Kistefos Museum

If you’re a fan of Kusama’s work, another breathtaking destination to consider is the Kistefos Museum in Norway. Home to the famous Twist building designed by Bjarke Ingels, Kistefos features a vast contemporary art sculpture park where Kusama’s vibrant works are displayed alongside other renowned artists like Anish Kapoor and Olafur Eliasson. Located in the Norwegian woods, Kistefos offers a unique blend of art and nature, creating an experience that's both immersive and tranquil—much like Kusama’s works themselves. For more details on the museum, check out my post on Kistefos Museum here.

FROM LINES TO MATTER, AKA GENTLE GIANTS AT THE KAMPA MUSEUM

Late summers bring me back to Prague and invite exploration of the local cultural offerings. Today, on my stroll through town, I came across a good one: Vojtech Kovarik’s “From Lines to Matter” show at the Kampa museum.

The show, a collection of monumental paintings centers on ancient myths, gods and goddesses that this young artist shows breaking out of their sizable frames and filling the room with their commanding, colorful presence. The ancient myths re-awaken your interest in antique mythology and the artist helps you by providing an ever so brief glimpse of the story you’re seeing on the canvas. The bright, saturated colors pull you in and you find yourself mesmerized, standing in front of these gentle giants enjoying every moment in their company.

The artist studied drawing and painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Ostrava and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw He won the Critics Prize for Young Painters in 2019 and has been exhibiting extensively abroad since then, building a presence in the international arts market.

The show runs at the Museum Kampa through early September, so if you are in Prague and looking for a late-summer cultural interlude, stop by. I truly enjoyed it.

CONTEMPORARY ART IN PARIS IN AUGUST? MAIS OUI!

Paris in August. Usually pretty hot and free of Parisians who use the peak summer month to take their annual “congé” or “vacances” and escape the hordes of tourists that descend upon their city. But, if you are visiting and happen to love contemporary art, do not despair. Yes, many smaller contemporary galleries may be closed, but there is plenty of interesting art to see.

Let’s start in Le Marais. It has always been one of my favorite “arrondissements” in Paris. Meandering streets, lots of cute cafes, tiny boutiques offering wares that you are unlikely to find anywhere else and, for those who are after the iconic experiences, the beautiful Place des Vosges and the nearby garden of L’Hotel de Sully. Combine it with a stay at Hôtel National Des Arts Et Métiers, Le Pavillon de la Reine or Cour des Vosges and you can have a very pampered stay in the middle of it all.
It also happens to be the home for a number of museums that stay open. This summer, they offer a lot of great shows to see. A few that a contemporary art lover might enjoy include:

Arthur Elgort photograph of Christy Turlington

FONDATION AZZEDINE ALAIA.  Tucked in a small street a few minutes’ walk from The Louvre, the foundation linked to the iconic fashion designer will not disappoint. Located in a former glassworks factory, the building itself is beautiful, with well preserved glass and wrought iron detailing, a well stocked book store where fashion lovers will find just about any photography book they may be looking for and a lovely courtyard cafe with sleek Bertoia-designed chairs. Inside, the foundation has a habit of showing outstanding fashion photography exhibitions paired with Alaia’s stunning designs. A couple of years ago, we could admire Peter Lindbergh’s work, and this summer it’s the works of Arthur Elgort. Stop by, you will not regret it.

MUSEE PICASSO. The Spanish artist who made France his home for a number of years is well known and you have probably been to his museums in Barcelona or Cap d’Antibes. This should be another stop in your Le Marais itinerary. Especially this summer, as the museum asked the British fashion designer Paul Smith to curate a show commemorating the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s passing. Smith has done a brilliant job, perfectly matching the design of the show to the different periods of the artist’s creations and styles. Each room is a delightful (and colorful, true to Smith’s own style) surprise. The show is thought through down to every cute little detail, be it a whimsical drawing on a window or staircase, or a beautiful view of Parisian rooftops that complement the show.

ATELIER BRÂNCUȘI

Technically part of Centre Pompidou right on the edge of Le Marais, this small (and free!) exhibition place designed by Renzo Piano beautifully and accurately reconstructs the studios of the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși whose work I have long admired. Bright and airy, the space allows you to revisit some of Brancusi’s iconic works in their original setting. If you happen to be in the area, it’s worth a stop. Even if you only stay for a few minutes, you will be transported.

If all these gems in Le Marais are not enough, and you’re ready to explore some more, you can head towards the Louvre and Jardin de Tuileries. Do not worry, I am not suggesting you join the throngs of people lining up in front of I.M. Pei’s pyramid to enter the most iconic of Parisian museums. That is only for those who like to torture themselves this time of the year. Keep walking right past and towards the Jeu De Paume museum. It’s a much more contemporary and pleasant experience.

Frank Horvat: Givenchy Hat

JEU DE PAUME. This museum, located near Place de la Concorde, puts on interesting photography shows. This summer, they are showing two: Frank Horvat (of the Magnum fame initially, followed by an important career in fashion photography), and Dutch Johan van der Keuken’s work focused on different visual elements and how they play in photography. The Horvat show, especially, is interesting, picking up not only well known photographs from his fashion career but also showing his earlier documentary work from around the world and the Parisian nightlife. And, if all that art has got you tired, make like a Parisian and relax in one of the green metal chairs sprinkled throughout the Tuileries gardens. It is lovely.

Alors, bonne journée et bon voyage!