Zalán Szakács is an artist who brings together immersive art, scenography and media theory research.\r\n\r\nThrough his work, Szakács explores the relationship between space, body and technology, resulting in multi-sensory experiences that include elements such as light, sound, smell, tactility and movement.\r\n\r\nSzakács’ art installations invite the viewer on a mystical journey where reality and fiction intertwine. Attuned to both the individual and collective experience, it evokes a deeper awareness of the body in space and is capable of transporting the viewer to another place and time.\r\n\r\nBased on the research of media theory and media archaeology, his artistic work brings forgotten analogue technologies – such as 17th-century optical experiments and 18th-century phantasmagoria – to the contemporary context, unfolding as experiential art installations. For each project, Szakács closely collaborates with scientists and researchers as well as filmmakers, artists, sound designers, and local communities.
Eigengrau Pavilion (premiere)
Eigengrau Pavilion is a 360° cinematic experience and sensory ritual in total darkness that uses only light, mist, smell, sound and movement. The unique domed inflatable space offers an intimate experience of the work. Inside, a custom-made circle of light creates a spatial cylinder that invites the audience on a mystical journey through light and darkness. A journey that, thanks to the abstract nature of the work, will be different for each participant.
Eigengrau Pavilion (documentation)
During Nederlands Film Festival a documentation in form of a scale model and video documentary represents the immersive cinematic experience.
Lichtspiel: Ars Anaclastica
In ‘Lichtspiel’ (Experiment No. 6), Szakács uses the refraction of light through kinetically controlled lenses to transform the Plein 1940 into a mesmerizing display of light and color whilst interacting with the architectural features of the outdoor square.
Lichtspiel: Ars Anaclastica
Lichtspiel - Ars Anaclastica (Experiment No. 5) is part of a series of projects in which Zalán Szakács (lecturer HKU Audiovisual Media), in collaboration with Utrecht University, investigates historical light projections from before the existence of cinema. The work in AG utilizes the refraction of light through kinetically controlled lenses, creating a relationship with the architecture of the exhibition space.
Topia
Topia is a light installation inspired by the Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti's idea of perspective. It can be seen as a modern version of cinematic screens, set in a stage-like space, using sculptural elements and a tactile dimension. Szakács' work reflects on the evolving concept of
the screen throughout history.
Lichtspiel: Ars Anaclastica
This work is part of an ongoing artistic research project series where Szakács eplores historical pre-cinema light projections, integrating them with a site-sensitive approach to architectural spaces. In ‘Lichtspiel’ (Experiment No. 4), he uses the refraction of light through kinetically controlled lenses to transform the entrance hall into a mesmerizing display of light and color, interacting with the architectural features of Amare.
Lichtspiel | Experiment Nr. 3 – Catoptric Theatre
Speciaal voor het Fiber Festival ontwikkelde Zalán Szakács ‘Lichtspiel: Catoptric Theatre’, dat het midden houdt tussen een installatie en een lichtscenografie. Het werk is een verdere ontwikkeling van zijn serie ‘Lichtspiel’, waarin de kunstenaar gebruikmaakt van de breking van licht door kinetisch gestuurde lenzen. De installatie van Szakács bestond uit drie op maat gemaakte kinetische spiegelinstrumenten van roestvrij staal, messing, koper en multiplex.
Tisztás (2023)
'Zalán Szakács made the sensuous Tisztás after a ten-day exploration of the Romanian region of Transylvania. The film combines interviews with visual interpretations and gathered sounds. Against the backdrop of this remarkable landscape, we watch and listen to the residents and their myths, tales and traditions that revolve around the connection between culture and nature.'
Lichtspiel | Experiment Nr. 2 – Underworld
Szakács’ site-specific version of Lichtspiel engages with the water-flooded basement of Koelhuis Eindhoven through light, haze, and sound. Lichtspiel interprets unrealised machine drawings from four centuries ago through contemporary technologies. Inspired by the writings of the Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher, Szakács guides the public through the shifting environment of the underworld.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Lichtspiel
Lichtspiel projects a re-configuration of 17th century optical devices into the present. It is a wunderkammer, a theatre of optical instruments exploring several narratives in the form of light experiments. Based on old speculative machine drawings, the work creates a configuration between old and new technologies, materialising historical ideas through contemporary techniques.
Lichtspiel
Lichtspiel projects a re-configuration of 17th century optical devices into the present. It is a wunderkammer, a theatre of optical instruments exploring several narratives in the form of light experiments. Based on old speculative machine drawings, the work creates a configuration between old and new technologies, materialising historical ideas through contemporary techniques.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Nebulae
Intangible coloured vapour of different sizes and different densities creates by itself an ongoing 'state of progressive collapse'.
Topia
Topia (2021) is a ‘screenscape’, a space filled with planes of lights resembling the digital screens we are constantly surrounded by. The work attempts to create an embodied experience of new definitions for the modern screen.
Nebulae
Intangible coloured vapour of different sizes and different densities creates by itself an ongoing 'state of progressive collapse'.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau (2021) functions as a temporary escape in a contemporary setting, in which a light cylinder takes the audience through a narrative of various mental states.
Kring
Kring invites the audience into a subliminal intervention at Kunstkapel. Inspired by the unique 360° curved architecture of the space, the work constructs a moment of contemplation.
In various beliefs, people move around sacred objects as spiritual passages. With the end of Kunstkapel insight, Szakács’ site-specific performance Kring enacts the space. Through intangible gestures such as sounds, lightning, and circular movements, the ritual continues beyond material realities.
Topia
Topia (2021) is a ‘screenscape’, a space filled with planes of lights resembling the digital screens we are constantly surrounded by. The work attempts to create an embodied experience of new definitions for the modern screen.
Eigengrau
Eigengrau is an interactive and immersive installation, a temporary escape from the current media landscape in which screens are omnipresent. Inspired by 18th century phantasmagoria, Eigengrau tells a contemporary story about image culture, only by the means of light, haze and sound.
Ornament
Kunsthaus Graz morphs into a sound machine: ‘Ornaments’ on the BIX-media façade activate the architecture at night and transforms the foyer of Kunsthaus into a soundscape during the day.