After extensive preparations, representatives from CERN, Google, creatives, artists, and technology and innovation enthusiasts are gathering at the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning. Read all about how the first day unfolded!
Even before official registration started, the first visitors, undeterred by the rainy weather, arrived at CAMP. Opening remarks were given by co-curator Lucia Dubačová and Signal Festival director Martin Pošta. The first day of Signal Forum featured talks on the ecosystems of machines and games, exploring the influence of new technologies on society and how humanity can use them for its prosperity or entertainment.
Each session was introduced by Bartosz Frąckowiak, who initiated thoughtful reflections for each topic. Michela Magas, who bridges design, technology, research, and industry, and serves as an advisor to the European Commission, G7 leaders, and CERN’s Advisory Board, questioned how technology can improve communication, not only between communities but also between different species such as humans, fauna, and flora. “Technology is based on vast amounts of data, which act as a kind of language and tool for understanding other species,” she said. When she and her colleagues were researching the measurement of sound in the ocean, which could help deepen our connection to nature, she likely didn’t realize how this format would greatly impact our understanding of climate change.
Italian artist Quayola pointed out that the connection between technology and art is a natural progression, as technology can serve as a tool for interpreting deep thoughts. However, he added that it’s not crucial whether art reaches the masses. The morning session also included contributions from co-curator Irini Mirena Papadimitriou and panel discussion moderator Pavlína Louženská, who skillfully coordinated audience questions.
The lunch break arrived at just the right time for attendees to organize their thoughts and begin networking. Bartosz again introduced the next theme—game ecosystems. Are humans and nature one and the same, or have we as humanity risen above it? Is it all just a game?
Carlos Bremond, from the Paris-based studio Superbien, demonstrated in his projects how technology can be used as a tool. According to him, we should focus more on naturally embedding technology into everyday life and instead highlight the humanity that stands above it. Carlos believes that technology cannot fully replace the human ability to tell stories and share emotions. However, his talk largely focused on immersive projects where people skilled in technology create art in tandem with it, but still remain in control. Some of these projects are aimed specifically at children, which sparked a debate during the panel about the impact on young audiences.
Mark H. Geary, representing Google Arts & Culture Lab, dedicated most of his presentation to how data can help bring distant and initially unimaginable topics—such as global climate change—closer to people. He boldly introduced the idea that technology can help people reconnect with nature. If we use it to understand nature and animals, it can act as a way of decoding this different language. “But our algorithms aren’t perfect. We need to deepen the dialogue,” he remarked at the end of his presentation.
Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm, a Danish artist who has been fascinated by AI technology since 2016, focused her artistic work on exploring this phenomenon. She is captivated by both human fascination and fear of AI. One of the projects she introduced is a dance performance featuring nine dancers, where AI becomes part of the show. The AI learns human emotions and expressions from the dancers, so each performance is unique and more developed than the previous one.
A delightful highlight to end Friday’s events was the performance by Foxdog Studios. Lloyd and Peter attracted the largest audience of the day, engaging everyone in their show. We were able to control digital games on the screen using our phones, and in the second part, even a simple robot, allowing the entire CAMP auditorium to collectively cook a British breakfast—sausages and beans. The performance was filled with laughter and wrapped up the first day of the conference on a high note.
A final reflection: was it coincidence or not? The letter Tetris competition was won by none other than Signal Festival director Martin Pošta! Congratulations! 🙂