Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the largest AV and systems integration show in the world, has announced that it is sponsoring a projection mapping event at the iconic Gaudí building Casa Batlló by Sofia Crespo, who will also deliver a keynote address at ISE 2024.
The sponsorship marks both the 20th anniversary of ISE and the 200th anniversary of Passeig de Gràcia, one of the main avenues in Barcelona and the home of Casa Batlló.
The venue previously hosted mappings by Refik Anadol in 2022 and 2023. This year, Casa Batlló will again show technology-driven art by an acclaimed digital artist on its façade, and has selected Crespo to use the building as a canvas.
Art, technology & culture
Sofia Crespo’s groundbreaking artwork explores organic life and its evolution using artificial intelligence (AI).
Crespo, the co-founder of Entangled Others Studio, is renowned for her work with neural networks and machine learning, as well as her strong interest in biology-inspired technology. Her practice, including works such as Neural Zoo and Artificial Remnants, investigates the potential of AI in artistic practice and its ability to transform our understanding of creativity.
Venues across the world have exhibited Crespo’s works, such as a month-long takeover of Times Square last May during which digital pieces were shown on 96 billboards. The artist has also participated in the Meta AI Artist in Residence initiative, in cooperation with Meta Open Arts. In this, she developed Critically Extant, a project that explores the limitations of available data as a means of engaging with critically endangered species.
Crespo says: “The great challenge has been to convey Gaudí’s inspirations in a façade with a lot of personality and intricate details. I wanted to capture how he worked and thought, including the materials, the symbology, and his more spiritual dimension. It has been a fascinating project because it combines art and technology, the cultural legacy of Barcelona, and a creator whose work remains alive and is constantly reinterpreted by artists.”
“We are excited to be working with Sofia Crespo and Casa Batlló to create what will not only be an incredible spectacle for ISE attendees, but that also allows us to say a huge thank you to Barcelona for hosting us each year,” comments Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events.
“Casa Batlló is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and I can’t wait to see how Sofia uses this unique canvas to create a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.
“Sometimes, it can be difficult to explain to people what the amazing AV technology that visitors experience during our show achieves, but these spectacular digital artworks, and the creativity from artists such as Sofia Crespo, truly showcase AV technology in all its beauty. A big thank you goes out to the team at Panasonic who are a huge support for this breath-taking project.”
Gary Gautier, general manager of Casa Batlló, adds: “Sofía’s creative universe is perfect for capturing Casa Batlló’s essence, structures, and beauty, bringing a personal view that unites art and innovation, just as Gaudí did in his time.”
Keynote address
Crespo’s mapping at Casa Batlló will take place on 27 January, with the first session taking place at 9 pm and the last session at 10.30 pm, and on 28 January, with the first session at 7 pm and the last session at 10.30 pm. The work will also be live-streamed on the Casa Batlló website.
The artwork features a score by renowned generative composer Robert M. Thomas, and will be performed by local musicians including organist Juan de la Rubia and the string quartet Cosmos Quartet.
Crespo will also deliver a keynote address on 1 February at 1.15 pm. This is taking place at the ISE Show Floor Stage in Hall 4, which is located at the back of the Content Production and Distribution Technology Zone.
In her presentation, she will discuss the Casa Batlló projection as well as the creative, technological, and production approaches that enabled the design and delivery of the project in a short period of time.
The digital artwork will also be shown in full on the ISE Creative Cube, a 6m x 2m LED four-screen monolith powered by Lang. This will be located near the ISE Show Floor Stage in Hall 4, and will be available to view throughout ISE 2024. Integrated Systems Europe attendees will therefore be able to see the artwork if they are unable to attend the live performance.
Last month, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) announced that it will reveal a trailblazing LED screen at SIE 2024, which will welcome visitors to the event’s landmark 20th edition. The screen will be used to broadcast a performance piece by leading digital artist Jeroen van der Most, who is a keynote speaker on the second day of ISE 2024.
