Barcelona is home town of many amazing audiovisual artists. It is not a coincidence our magazine has been founded there.

The city and its surroundings have always been very active since the early stages of the audiovisual culture.

Mapping World Lab features a 360° experimental approach to projection mapping.

During 10 years of activity, they have experimented with very different formats such as façade projections, indoor immersive shows, interactive installations, dance mapping and beyond.

MWL is active internationally both in the corporate and artistic world. Their main artistic mission is to transform venues and public spaces into immersive aesthetic environment through audiovisual content.

Vertical Dance Mapping

Very intriguing experiment where acrobatic vertical-dancers from SACUDE performed onto a façade projected upon by Mapping World Lab.

In order to deliver this complex show, the audiovisual artists have utilized motion graphics, VFX, 3D animations and a bespoke motion tracking tool to achieve precise synchronization with the dance’s movement.

An ambitious, gravity-defying mixed media show that didn’t fail in inspiring awe and wonder in the audience through the interaction among body, music and projection.

Interactive Projection Mapping

Based on the classic SIMON SAYS game, Mapping World Lab have developed this playful interactive audiovisual installations.

The audiovisual game has been projected onto the façade of the Sabadell council building, near Barcelona.

It consists of four large pushbuttons (green, yellow, red and blue) placed on the ground, so the player can interact with them.

The game sets a colour sequence, adding one extra colour at every turn. The player needs to repeat the exact pattern in the correct order.

The result? An highly engaging installation that connects strongly with the younger audience, by encouraging them to carry out a creative physical activity while the rest of the viewers enjoy the live show.

Body Mapping

Building facades have been utilized widely by projection mappers worldwide. What about using our own body as a live painting?

Mapping World Lab has been experimenting together with several performers to offer live audiovisual shows where the body in movement is the main expressive medium.

An alluring sensorial experience that captivates the audience and triggers an interesting dialogue between audiovisual artists and body performers.

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The studio creates immersive multidisciplinary AV shows, especially focusing on the fusion between projection mapping and dance performance.

We asked Paco a few questions about his background and creative career and also about the new projects he has been cooking up during the quarantine period.

1. When did you start working on the interaction between audiovisual and dance performance, and how did you get involved? What are the aspects that are more appealing to you about working in this interdisciplinary field?

It all begun in 2009. After quitting my job as an engineer I moved to Madrid to study a Master in Motion Graphics while making my first experiences in the world of video art. 

In 2010 I started up several collaborations with art organizations in Madrid and they proposed to me to shoot a dance performance by the choreographer Iratche Ansa.

The performance was going to be held at the Matadero in Madrid. From that recording I put together my first video dance “Comunicación Interpretación Automática” which had a very good reception.

I had discovered the potential of dance from an audiovisual perspective and the inner revelation of what I wanted to do in the next few years.

A few months later I made my first dance pieces with live visuals with choreographer Barbara Fritsche.

Thanks to those projects I was able to work on the musical “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar” in 2013. In 2014 I directed my first proper theatre show: “Girasomnis”.

2. You are the creator of “Girasomnis”, an itinerant project that has been traveling around the world. Can you tell us about the creative process behind the inception of this innovative project?

I try to “connect” the visuals with the dancers. Sometimes I encourage the dancers to “connect” or follow my visuals.

In this project I also composed the music. This is very useful as I have better control of the creative process. With this project I tried to evoke feelings in the audience without words: just images, dance and instrumental music.

3. Paco Gramaje Studio recently launched the “Dance Mapping Virtual Tour 2020” which it’s fundraising on Gumroad. This is in preparation for a new cutting-edge AV dance project in 2021 involving a 360 immersive environment . Can you give us some insights about the whole project?

This quarantine caused an abrupt stop in my job, but also gave me time to start imagining something new.

The idea was born during the first week of confinement. At the start, It was simple: I just wanted to publish some of our best projects and make them public. But I also felt a need for a change.

The last 3 years I was quite disconnected from my artistic side due to working mostly on commercial projects. 

I was just focusing on making money to pay my bills and trying to have a stable team for audiovisual production. The outbreak of the Covid-19  has been an absolute shift in our work. We started questioning the possibility of doing our shows as we did before.

Therefore I needed to devise another type of format for the new normal awaiting us: a fully immersive virtual Dance Mapping Show.

As my previous theatre production, without the pressure of a client and using the Girasomnis music.

So, in April I started to visualize and write a synopsis of this new project. I then decided to publish “Dance Mapping Virtual Tour 2020” as a memorandum of all these years of physical shows. 

Now it’s time to go further. I want to gather all the knowledge I gained during the last 10 years and apply it to a virtual reality show, where I can break the limits and make an immersive 360º visual performance with dancers.

This new production is planned to be released in VR and physical 360 projection format in late 2021.

4. When working on a project how do you pick your collaborators? What are the main roles you look for in your team? 

When I have the budget I can work with some powerful audiovisual freelancers from my network of collaborators. Failing that I work alone.

I also work with very talented dancers/choreographers from Barcelona. During the years they started to understand my ideas and transform them in beautiful choreographies. 

5. Can you describe your general creative approach when starting on a new project?

I have mostly 2 ways of work. I compose a music draft and then I work on the visuals and choreography or vice versa: I make a draft of visual content with a draft choreography and I try to match the sounds and music.

Sometimes I give leeway to the dancer, so they can create their own choreography and then I create the visual content following their movements.

In the last few years I also worked with some talented musicians for a faster audiovisual production.

6. In 2015, Paco Gramaje Studio won an award at the International Mapping Festival in Girona for the Micro-mapping category. Could you share with us your thoughts about the concept of “Micro-mapping”? 

This was a concept from Roman Torre. In 2015 I shared a space with him and we collaborated together on a video mapping of a rotating stone. It was a nice project called Liquid Series.

In the video mapping area I also tried to develop innovative concepts, differing from the typical big projection on a building facade. 2 Years ago I started to develop the concept of “Holomapping”. I am planning to finish it next year as well.

7. We are aware you regularly teach courses and masterclasses of video mapping applied to performing arts, in Spain and Latin America.


What specific training would you recommend for digital artists who have just started their career and why? Which are the countries with more opportunities for audiovisual arts, in your opinion?

Nowadays, it is possible to learn a lot following digital online courses, but it is always better if somebody guides you. As with everything in life the best way to learn is practice, making mistakes and improving. 

Spain is not the best country for arts, I would say. As far as I know French artists or from other European countries have more grants and support from their governments, but everything is possible if you are passionate about your work.

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They combine art and technology to develop powerfully immersive audiovisual experiences.

We discovered this amazing collective thanks to ADAF 2020 and we fell in love straight away.

Cosmic Lab possibly represent the archetype of the audiovisual artist, rooted in the art world and the underground clubbing scene.

As many Japanese new media artists, they are not afraid of experimenting and mixing up techniques and styles. As far is it’s punchy, alluring and visually stunning they will use it in their performances.

From immersive VJ sets to operatic projection mapping, from AV live graffiti to cutting-edge interactive installations. Cosmic Lab always achieves to captivate the audience and mind-blow even the more AV experts. Here our top picks from their impressive portfolio of audiovisual projects:

Live Paint Showcase: “Magnetic”

As we said: no fear of experimenting. Here we see a very interesting fusion between hip hop and audiovisual culture.

At the opening event of MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109 “ShibuGekiSai”, Cosmic Lab and Doppel collaborated on a performance combining live painting and video projection.

The 3D video cubes are animated in motion graphics by the audiovisual artists guiding the graffiti artists on the patterns they will fill with their spray cans.

The DJ spins tunes throughout the performance linking graffiti and projection through the overall hip hop groove.

Buddhist Chant and Light Performance

An audiovisual feast and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate the Koyasan’s 1200th anniversary (The center of Shingon Buddhism).

We see something truly remarkable and unique: a fusion among the vibrating tones of the Buddhist chant, Japanese drums and an elaborate projection mapping.

Under the musical inputs and the AV latest technologies the great Pagoda comes alive. The result is spectacular, mesmerizing and sumptuous to honor the ancient tradition of Japanese Buddhism.

QUASAR

Here Cosmic Lab went a few steps ahead by reinventing the way of making AV live performances through a new tool called QUASAR.

It loosely reminded us of the Reactable Machine, developed in Barcelona in 2003 to make music through physical interaction.

In this next-generation AV instrument, each musical measure is not interpreted in a linear fashion, but as an endless loop.

Also the tangible interface gives a physical structure to the AV content making possible to build rhythm and layers in all new intuitive physical way. Impressive!

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WHAT WERE YOUR EARLY GRAPHIC INFLUENCES/INSPIRATIONS AND WHAT ELEMENTS OR EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN KEY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR STYLE?

Hi guys! Thank you for your questions and your interest in my work. Let’s get started! Here my main influences:

In the 80s: whilst growing up in France, I was very inspired by the vast amount of Japanese anime on TV, especially the Cobra series (funny that it was just on kids TV back then in France, where it would be rated 12 or 15 here in UK now) and films like Videodrome, Nightmare on Elm Street, Evil Dead 2, 2001, The Thing, Altered States, Blazing Saddles, Monty Python films and such like.

In the later 80’s & 90’s whilst living in different parts of the UK during my student years, I was really into rave graphics and visuals like
Stakker Humanoid and FSOL.

I was massively into MTV’s Aeon Flux series and non verbal films like Baraka, Koyananskatsti, Atlantis and such like. The Day Today  / Brass eye have been quite important as well in terms of absurdity and “OTT-ness”, especially the Brass eye Infographics.

Then in late 90’s & early 00s once I moved to London I was massively into Ryoji Ikeda / Dumb Type / Semi-conductor Films / Ukawa.

In terms of key experiences, I’d say it was seeing Daft Punk live multiple times in the mid 90’s & their Audiovisual show in the 1997 tour. That was definitely the main experiences that pushed me to do what I do into the audiovisual world.

It was like a “smack in the face”. So bold, minimal and sync-ed to the music, it totally blew me away. I remember thinking back then, I wanted to blow people away in the same way someday.

2. IN YOUR WORK WE CAN SEE A BIG VARIETY OF IMAGE PROCESSING RESULTS, DOES THIS EXPERIMENTATION GO HAND IN HAND WITH AN EXPERIMENTATION OF THE TOOLS YOU USE TO CREATE THE VISUALS AS WELL?

Good question, that I’m not sure how to answer as I don’t really think about it in that way. I’d say I very much differentiate my live & studio work. To me, my live visuals are technically made in similar ways to how my friends make music.

I position myself in the same category as lighting/laser designers, in a sense that I’m there merely complementing/enhancing the audio experience.

As in my studio work I very much try to recreate the kinda vibe of an anime intro or 80s music video, which in my opinion were far more entertaining. For me, it’s all about visual impact and entertaining the audience.

3. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE “AUDIOVISUAL ART” AND HOW DO YOU POSITION YOURSELF IN THIS SPECIFIC CULTURE?

This is a tricky question for me, as I find it hard to categorize anything I see on my computer screen or at a party as art. For me it’s more like graphics or entertainment.

Call me old fashioned but for it to be Art is has to be in an art context (whatever that is), and as my work isn’t in galleries or such like (yet) i don’t really consider myself as an artist.

Actually I find the words art/artists are used way too sparingly in this day and age, so I’m not really sure as to where I fit in all this. I’d rather not think about it and just carry on doing my thing & let other people define me as they see fit…

4. YOUR CAREER DEVELOPED ACROSS DIFFERENT FIELDS AND MEDIA SUCH AS ADVERTISING, FASHION, ELECTRONIC MUSIC, VIDEO CLIPS, AND SO ON.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CONCEPTUAL AND AESTHETIC LINKS CONNECTING ALL YOUR VERY DIVERSE PROJECTS??

I’m very much into specific/custom made/location-based designs. My ideas tend to be finding a way to best fit the “where” and “what”.

My concepts are very driven by discussions (or lack of) with the artist/clients, which is why my work tends to vary in style (or quality, if the client/artist has too little input or dictates too much)

5. YOU HAVE WORKED WITH MANY DIFFERENT MUSICIANS AND SINGERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS OF VISUALIZING A SOUNDSCAPE AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING WITH ABSTRACT CONTENTS LIKE ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND THE MORE EXPLICIT NARRATIVE OF POP AND HIP HOP CULTURE?

Firstly I figure the possibilities and limitations and work within those boundaries, then I discuss with artist/client to figure a rough direction to aim for, it then it generally snowballs from there.

I generally try to deliver what the artist/client & target audience wants, but not necessarily what they expect, so I tend to avoid the obvious options.

I don’t think I approach a project that differently depending on what genre of music it is. I just try and do whatever feels right for that category of music, BUT the workflow is vastly different depending of the type of artists they are.

Some artist are way more approachable than others regardless their music genres and when I can bounce ideas back and forth with them that is when I can go deep into what they truly want and get the best results. I can’t say the same when there’s a sea of management/label/producers between me and the artist.

It’s fair to the results are far more fruitful when I work with artists who don’t take themselves too seriously as I’m not a yes-man nor my specialty is making people like prim & proper.

READ MORE ABOUT THE AUDIOVISUAL ARTIST

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Weirdcore’s work is the result of years of experimental design and animation work that pushes the boundaries of consciousness and visual interpretation.

Adopting a method used more often by artists and music producers rather than by visual directors, Weirdcore helps both advise and visualise others initial ideas, facilitating their progress through until the finished form, whilst also creating his own stunning individual projects.

With a unique blend of formats, colors, designs and mediums, the audiovisual artist has collaborated with some of the most exciting modern artists and directors such as Aphex Twin, M.I.A, Tame Impala, Radiohead, Nabil, Hype Williams, Charlie XCX, Smerz, Onetrix Point Never, Sophie Muller, Diane Martel and Miley Cyrus.

Weirdcore performed live in the most important festivals worldwide such as Glastonbury, Sonar, Fuji Rock, Coachella, Club2Club, Future Music, Field Day, Mira, Unsound, Melt, Lowland, Dour and more.

Weirdcore has also lent his emotive expertise to larger collectives, organisations and labels such as Warp, XL, Sony, Ninja Tunes and Domino, whilst keeping a dynamic and fluid focus across a range of other diverse industry’s such as Fashion, Theatre and Opera.

READ OUR INTERVIEW TO WEIRDCORE

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From state-of-the-art temporary installations to permanent locations, the audiovisual artists create physical and digital worlds colliding through the signature scenography, motion graphics, set design, and technological innovation.

One of their main projects is Wavv – mood modulator:

Wavv is an integrated multimedia proprietary eco-system that uses light, video and sounds, that transforms space perception and enhances emotions. It can be integrated into various contexts and settings, from gym and yoga classes to public transit areas and corporations.

Their various backgrounds mean they’re not only experienced but inspired to explore original ways of implementing storytelling with technology to bring locations to life.

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Genius Loci Weimar is an annual festival for site-specific audiovisual art, especially façade, space and object projections.

The audiovisual event combines the historical spirit of Weimar and the contemporary technique of projection mapping, a projection technique that incorporates the object into the image design, giving objects multi-layered dimensions and audiovisual narratives.

Applicants have until the 17th of May to apply with a 30 sec video clip for the projection of one of the following locations: Marstall , Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv and Altenburg.

The three winning artists will be awarded prize money totaling € 45,000 for the realisation of a 05–10 min high-resolution audio-visual production, to be presented during the festival as a video mapping on the respective facade.

READ MORE AND APPLY

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Pfadfinderei [fɑ:d’fɪndɜ:raɪ] is a Berlin-based design and motion graphics studio specializing in creative services for stage entertainment, large-format media installations, tradeshows and events. 

Going beyond screen work, they apply innovative ideas to fusing light, video and spatial design. Pfadfinderei also sport a hot roster of patented fonts and design publications.

Founded in 1998 in Berlin, Pfadfinderei started as a design studio focused on print, fonts and logos designs. The name translates as ‘pathfinders’ or ‘boy scouts’ in German and refers to the studio’s initial work with vector graphics. To this day, vectors and a reductionist approach to creativity are their hallmark and signature style. 

Pfadfinderei aim to produce timeless original design ideas and apply their creative hearts and minds to any and all of their work. Always.

In 2000 the studio added motion content and installations to its repertoire and soon found itself at the heart of the vibrant Berlin electronic music and nightlife scene. Through countless collaborations with leading Berlin clubs and talent, the Pfadfinderei crew became an integral part of the mix.

From sharing stages worldwide with the top tier of electronic musicians to crafting bespoke spatial concepts for an eclectic variety of clients, Pfadfinderei are innovators of interactive media scenography and a Berlin success story.

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Formed in 2012, The Colour Project is a UK based Motion Graphics and 3d Design studio specialising in video projection mapping.

TCP design shows and  visual content for, events, launches and epic architectural mapping shows. We produce original graphics, animations and bespoke video content to tell compelling stories and amaze audiences.

 
They’ve created shows internationally and at home, from galleries to World Heritage sites. Our audiences range from hundreds to tens of thousands and we work with brands and cultural organisations to create spectacular live events and installations in public spaces.

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The interactive VR installation was created by the audiovisual artists: Marshmallow Laser Feast and showcased at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

What happens is that the cutting-edge technology illuminates the invisible connections between the human and nature world. What you’ll see when the installation starts, is the giant Sequoia tree.

You’re being transported into a world that’ll leave your jaw on the ground and eyes wide open- wanting to capture every detail you’re seeing. And as time passes, the scenery changes as well.

Breathe in and out and you’ll see you’re right in the installation. The color changes and you can even move it around as you breathe out.

It’s done with breath and heart sensors that are tracking your real-time breathing and essentially put it in the virtual reality. Making it even more immersive than it already was. It’s a magical world you’re stepping into and time will feel as none-existant.

The installation will embolden you to reflect on the reality that we, as human beings, aren’t the only thing on this planet. We share our planet with other organisms and it’ll make you cerebrate about the responsibility that we carry. And reflect on our dependence.

It is a great experience and it stays in your mind even when it’s over. Overwhelming and impressive! We need more virtual reality installations like this.

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