‘‘HELIOGRAPHIES OF MEMORY’ / ‘INTERFERENCES’ — Grand Palais Immersif, Paris.

The main technique of "Heliographies of Memory" combines long-exposure photography with coordinated light movements, capturing luminous actions that trace invisible paths. These images evoke intermittent crowd movements and symbolic changes in urban spaces' use. The project's origin dates back to 2004 when Said Dokins accidentally captured a falling lamp's movement, sparking an interest in capturing moving light. Dokins experimented with various mediums, including animation and virtual reality. The project began in Mexico, focusing on significant cities, and expanded to Europe, intervening in historical sites during the 2016 "The Hidden Text" tour.

For the new "Heliographies of Memory" interventions, Said Dokins and Leonardo Luna chose locations in Paris known for their historical and cultural importance. These sites were selected not only for their significance in the city's urban fabric but also for their relevance to current European political and social events. The works explore themes like France's relationship with Russia, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Key locations include the Alexander III Bridge, Trocadero Square, Sacré-Cœur, and the Pantheon, chosen deliberately for these interventions.

The current relationship between France and Russia is tense, primarily due to France's support position for Ukraine following Russia's 2022 invasion. Political dialogue continues but is hampered by sanctions against Russia and its G8 exclusion. The once-significant trade relationship now faces uncertainty. The Ukraine war has impacted France's energy independence, leading to government measures against rising energy costs. In Africa, France's Sahel withdrawal under coup pressure has allowed Russia to bolster its regional influence. Russian paramilitary group Wagner quickly occupied French-vacated bases in Mali. The Alexander III Bridge, a symbol of Franco-Russian relations, was built as a friendship gesture. Today, it reminds us of a time of cooperation and diplomacy, contrasting with the current tension and conflict.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has notably influenced France, both in foreign relations and domestically. Prohibitions and forceful dispersion of pro-Palestinian protests in Paris signify the escalating societal rifts, while the Interior Minister's report of a surge in anti-Semitic acts post a Hamas attack underscores growing tensions. Simultaneously, France has seen an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment, with attacks in cities like Arras and Annecy contributing to a fraught atmosphere. This escalation of both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia highlights the intensified vulnerability of the Muslim community in France, amidst already prevalent discrimination and stigmatization. From the title of the series 'Gods and Dead,' Dokins references how events, especially conflicts, leave indelible marks on human consciousness and history, shaping our perception of the divine and mortal, the powerful and the lost.

Credits

Exhibition co-produced by Grand Palais Immersif and Atlas V Curator: Christian Omodeo Audiovisual Production: Mehdi Mejri, Atlas V Conceptualization: Christian Omodeo, Mehdi Mejri, and Pierre Zandrowicz Production of Audiovisual and Interactive Content: SUPERBIEN STUDIO Scenography: Olivier Palatre Graphic Design: Horah, Inc. and Monsieur L’Agent Composer and Sound Designer: Roque Rivas Sound Engineer: Oscar Ferran

About artists:

Said Dokins Visual artist, merges calligraphy with graffiti's rebellious spirit and new technologies. His creations, rooted in politics and power, transition from philosophical to performative, delving into human movement and its traces in specific contexts. Dokins has made his mark worldwide, showcasing in museums and galleries and participating in prestigious street art festivals. He has been recognized with awards like the Ibero-American Prize for Contemporary Artistic Creation Cortes de Cádiz. Beyond art, he contributes as a researcher, curator, and member of international associations, significantly impacting contemporary culture. Forbes Mexico recognized him as one of the "100 most creative Mexicans of the year," embodying a unique intersection of contemporary art and poetic-political writing, marked by depth and social commitment.

Roberto Palma Palma is a digital artist renowned for reshaping environments using technology and digital manipulation and animation. He seeks to build new connections between consciousness and the individual through interactive technology. Palma's career highlights include diverse global projects like "Human Energy through Heritage and History" at the Sharjah Light Festival and "Hope" in Tokyo. His work has featured in international festivals such as Leon Light Fest in Mexico and Zsolnay Light Festival in Hungary, with notable pieces like "Dream Refinement" and "Infinite Color of Light." Beyond his artistic endeavors, Palma has shared his expertise in various settings, including projection mapping performances and striking light installations like "Sonnendeck" in Germany, marking his presence at festivals worldwide.

Leonardo Luna Luna, as an artist and documentarian, has extensively explored and captured various artistic expressions, collaborating with collectives, artists, and international festivals like MUTEK and NRMAL. His lens has encapsulated the vibrancy of contemporary creativity in venues worldwide, including the iBug festival in Germany and the BLOOP Festival in Ibiza. A significant milestone in Luna's career was his contribution to the 2011 book "Revelación: Once Artistas Plásticos Cubanos en el Siglo XXI," which marked the beginning of his collaborations with institutions and galleries like the Colección Centro de Estudios de Historia de México Carso and the Museo Nacional de San Carlos. He has also documented the works of renowned artists such as Rafael Cauduro and Pedro Friedeberg.