Date: July 2023
It started with a sketch on a piece of paper in a Parisian brasserie—a chance meeting between Parisian visual artist Arnaud Quercy and German composer Frank von Häfen in winter 2022. They sat together at a corner table, exchanging ideas, and the vision for Transcendence took shape. What they mapped out on that day was the foundation for an immersive experience that would soon bridge sound, light, and visual art. Inspired by shared themes of faith, love, and hope, Quercy and von Häfen envisioned an art project that would immerse audiences in a multisensory journey, where each element was designed to resonate emotionally and visually.
The Concept: Bridging Art and Technology
Their vision went beyond a traditional exhibition or concert. Instead, Transcendence was designed as an all-encompassing experience where audiences would not just view the art or listen to the music but feel themselves surrounded and involved. To achieve this, Quercy and von Häfen planned to combine 360-degree projections with live musical performance, creating a continuous and interconnected flow between sight and sound.
“It was important for us that Transcendence evoke universal feelings and allow viewers to connect with those deep, intrinsic emotions,” Quercy explains. “We wanted to create a sanctuary of art—a space where every element feeds into the others, making the experience feel whole.”
Their collaboration—called Ephemera Arts—embraced both timeless classics and cutting-edge technology. Classical music selections, such as Bach’s Prelude in C Major and Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, would mix with von Häfen’s original compositions, and Quercy’s artwork would be animated and projected on every surface, enveloping the viewer. Each piece was carefully chosen to contribute to an overarching narrative that would transport audiences, allowing them to explore themes of faith, love, and hope in a new, immersive way.
Building Momentum: Bringing the Idea to Life
By July 2023, the project had moved from concept to full-scale planning. Quercy began designing the visual elements, creating digital models of his paintings in Blender 3D, while von Häfen composed and arranged musical pieces that would complement the emotional depth of the visuals. Every step was aligned to ensure that each component—light, sound, and space—would contribute to a cohesive, emotional experience.
With each development milestone, their excitement grew, transforming a simple sketch into a detailed blueprint for what Transcendence could be. The grand opening was set for September 2023 at the Koblenzer Kunstverein e.V., where they would premiere this groundbreaking collaboration. In preparation, the team meticulously planned each element, refining the concept through hours of rehearsal, technical calibration, and creative exploration. Transcendence was well on its way to becoming a fully realized sensory experience, one that invites audiences into a world where sound and light breathe life into human connection.