Event Date: January 2023 – September 2023
Location: Koblenzer Kunstverein e.V., Altenhof 13, Koblenz, Germany
Artists: Arnaud Quercy (Visual Artist, Pianist) & Frank von Häfen (Composer, Flutist)
Technical Lead: Arnaud Quercy Creations
This portfolio offers a glimpse into the extensive preparation, technical ingenuity, and creative synergy that brought Transcendence to life. This ambitious, immersive experience, merging classical music, original compositions, and 360-degree visuals, began with a chance encounter and a spark of inspiration scribbled at a Parisian brasserie.
The Idea: Born in a Paris Brasserie
Transcendence was conceived in winter 2022 when Arnaud Quercy and Frank von Häfen met in Paris. Amidst lively conversation, they sketched the initial concept on a piece of paper at the corner of a brasserie table. Their vision: to create an immersive experience that would envelop audiences in a world of art, music, and projection. This simple beginning marked the start of months of meticulous preparation, ultimately transforming their idea into a groundbreaking reality.
The Musical Rehearsals: Perfecting Every Note
From January 2023, the duo embarked on an intensive rehearsal schedule to ensure a seamless blend of classical and original compositions. Frank von Häfen, composer and flutist, collaborated closely with visual artist and pianist Arnaud Quercy to develop a musical repertoire that would enhance and interact with the visual experience.
- Refining Classical and Original Works: Their musical selections ranged from J.S. Bach and Edward Elgar to Lili Boulanger, alongside original pieces by von Häfen. Balancing these classical works with Frank’s compositions, they crafted a soundscape that embodied the themes of faith, love, and hope, adding depth to the immersive environment.
- Aligning Music and Visuals: Rehearsals focused on synchronizing each note with the visual projections, blending traditional pieces with experimental soundscapes. This ensured a dynamic flow where the music, visuals, and thematic elements resonated, creating an experience that captivated audiences on multiple levels.
The Technical Setup: Designing a Custom 360-Degree Experience
As rehearsals continued, Arnaud Quercy took charge of the technical setup, bringing his creative and technical expertise to design the immersive 360-degree visuals. Utilizing Blender 3D and other digital tools, Arnaud developed a custom 360 broadcasting system tailored to the unique space of the Koblenz Art Club.
- 360 Broadcasting System: At the heart of the setup was a 360 broadcasting machine powered by five synchronized micro-computers. This setup allowed for full, synchronized projection across multiple surfaces, immersing the audience in a seamless visual experience that enveloped every inch of the gallery.
- Projection Mapping with Beamers: High-resolution beamers were strategically positioned to project images onto the gallery walls and ceiling, mapping visuals precisely to the architecture of the space. Each projection was calibrated to enhance Quercy’s artworks, transforming the gallery into a living, breathing canvas that moved and evolved with the music.
- Digital Animation and 3D Modelization: Arnaud used Blender 3D to design animated sequences that incorporated elements from his paintings, crafting five unique visual universes. These 360-degree movies brought his artwork to life, creating a dynamic interplay between static and animated visuals. Using additional digital tools, he ensured high-resolution quality and smooth transitions, essential for maintaining immersion.
- Testing and Calibration: The complexity of the technical setup required rigorous testing. Each micro-computer, projector, and animation was fine-tuned to ensure perfect synchronization and image clarity. This process also involved simulating audience movement to guarantee that visuals remained immersive and cohesive from every angle within the gallery.
Crafting an Immersive Universe: The Final Preparations
In the final weeks leading up to the premiere in September 2023, Arnaud and Frank conducted dress rehearsals with the fully operational setup. These rehearsals integrated live music with the synchronized visuals for the first time in the gallery space, allowing the duo to make final adjustments to timing, transitions, and visual intensity.
Curator Angelika Kallenbach provided invaluable feedback on how the setup would engage the audience, and the artists used her insights to ensure the experience felt intimate yet expansive, drawing viewers deeply into the world of Transcendence. Every projection, note, and animation was crafted to reflect the central themes, inviting viewers on a journey that transcended traditional art boundaries.
From a sketched idea in a Paris brasserie to a fully realized sensory experience, Transcendence is the product of countless hours of creative exploration, technical mastery, and artistic dedication. This portfolio captures the journey behind the scenes, showcasing the synergy between music, visual art, and technology that made Transcendence a transformative event for all who experienced it.
