Petr Vacek a Adam Cigler (CZ) → Reflection

19–24
  • City center
  • Object installation

About project

Reflection is a site-specific installation that uses a robotic object to dynamically combine the stillness of its surroundings with elements of light and sound to create a large, immersive composition. The central object of Reflection itself is a wall of moving mirrors that resembles a sophisticated instrument of Rudolphine scientific experiments. At the same time, it is an ingenious and precisely controlled kinetic artefact. The viewer becomes part of a magical moment in the transformation of an everyday urban space into a place of ritual ceremony. Each place may have its own magic waiting to be revealed. 

The movements of the mirrors are not random. They are controlled by a unique sequence designed by the artists for the specific theme of the event and the space in which the work is displayed. The scenario also includes ambient lighting designed by the authors and a soundtrack created in collaboration with other artists (Jon Rosůlek, Matyáš Cigler) for the specific occasion. The sound and lights are synchronized with the movements of the mirrors, creating a unique site-specific audiovisual experience.

Artist

Petr Vacek and Adam Cigler are Czech architects who synergistically combine a creative artistic approach with programming, robotics, digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship. Their collaboration began during their studies at the Faculty of Art and Architecture in Liberec. Adam runs his own architectural studio and Petr works in the field of parametric design. The robotic work Reflection reflects their common interest in advanced technology, science, space or philosophy and crystallizes in the form of an aesthetically appealing creative experiment.

The artists have already created several successful installations together abroad, for example in Metz, France, during the Constellations Festival in 2021, or in Zurich, Switzerland, during the Zauberpark event last winter. One kinetic mirror was also created in a slightly smaller but more complex form for the Czech pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. 

Location

The largest historical square in Prague was founded by Charles IV in 1348 in connection with the establishment of the New Town of Prague. The largest part of the square is a park decorated with six sculptures and a fountain with a statue of St Joseph and the Child. In the second part of the square there is a less prominent fountain. The placement of the Reflection object, a successful installation presented for the first time at the Signal Festival in 2019, in the middle of the fountain allows the object itself and the reflecting environment to be perceived in a completely new context.

Supported by

  • Patron of the installation

    PrusaLab by Prusa Research

  • Supported by

    Prague 2