Prague is known for its beautiful architecture and magical atmosphere. It is unlike any other city in the world; its buildings display myriad styles ranging over many different time periods. From its Gothic cathedrals and gargoyles to the modernity of the Dancing House, the variety in the buildings and styles is a part of what makes the city so unique.
However, for several years now artists from all over the world have been traveling to Prague to temporarily incorporate its most stunning buildings and locations into their artwork. This October from the 11th to the 14th some of Prague’s most iconic buildings and public areas will be reimagined in the city’s sixth Signal Festival.
The Signal Festival is a public light show that combines some the city’s most beautiful and ancient sites with intricate video mapping technology to create an unforgettable visual experience. By projecting interactive light installations directly onto buildings, artists are able to create light shows that distort the reality and boundaries of what is real. After the sun sets the light shows begin all across the city and are free for anyone to enjoy.
The outlines and details of the buildings suddenly disappear as the shows begin and are transformed by the lights playing across them. Enchanting optical illusions and splashes of color pulsate, putting audiences throughout the city into a trance.
The concept behind the Signal Festival was originally conceived in October 2010 following the 600th anniversary of Prague’s Astronomical Clock tower. In honor of one of Prague’s most historic buildings, artists used video projection mapping on the front of the building. The visuals projected on the building not only were aesthetically impressive but also told the story of the building in a unique visual way that had not been done before.
Martin Pošta was one of the head organizers of the Astronomical Clock’s 600th anniversary light show and is now one of the founders and directors of the Signal Festival in Prague. After the success and popularity of the light show during the clock tower’s anniversary, Pošta decided to travel the world and discover new video mapping artists. Surprisingly, Prague is not the only city that holds light festivals. “There are approximately fifty other international light festivals that happen all over the world,” said Pošta; “the one in Prague is one of the most famous festivals internationally.” Signal Festival’s three previous installations in Prague have made it the Czech Republic’s most visited cultural event, and it is only expected to draw even larger crowds this year.
After traveling to other countries to discover video mapping artists, Pošta decided that it would be a good idea to bring all the artists he came across into a festival. The cultivation of these artists from all over the globe resulted in the Signal Festival in Prague.
The light shows will be taking place at several locations throughout the city. From one of the festival’s most popular displays at Náměstí Míru to the top of Petřín Hill at the Lookout Tower, each location offers a-one-of-a-kind experience. New this year are locations in Karlin! Each location will have its own unique light shows that are created by the artists to be as site specific as possible. Because each light show is custom-made for its location in the city, the displays are truly one of a kind and an unforgettable experience.
More information about the Signal Light Festival can be found here.
Patrick Batuzich has been living in Prague attending university to study journalism and communications. Originally from Texas, USA, he enjoys music and spending time outdoors.
