20. Hotel de Rome & Behren Palais

3D Video Mapping Show “Festival of Lights Award” by 3 artists

Show Loop approx. 15 minutes

In 2024, Bebelplatz will once again become the shining, must-see hotspot of the Festival of Lights—a place where history and modernity unite in breathtaking fashion. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the State Opera, the Law Faculty of Humboldt University, and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the Hotel de Rome and the Behren Palais will glow as radiant artworks amidst the vibrant city life.

As part of the Festival of Lights Award 2024, under the theme “The Freedom of Thoughts”, outstanding international artists will present their latest 3D video projections, creating true masterpieces. Artists Ari Dykier (PL), The Fox, The Folks (ID), and Hermes Mangialardo (IT) have been given a unique opportunity to make a bold visual statement in the heart of Berlin.

They will project their deepest thoughts and most innovative ideas onto the historic façade of the Hotel de Rome. Their mission: to craft a narrative in light that celebrates the spirit of freedom and openness. Their vivid vision of “Free your mind” will be projected onto the impressive façade, unfolding a story that captivates the audience and leaves a lasting impression.

On 7 October, the Festival of Lights programme at the Brandenburg Gate starts at 9 pm.</span></em>

Audience Voting: Choose your favorite artwork
The Festival of Lights would like to thank LEGO GmbH, KIDDINX, HAUPTSTADT MACHEN by Land Berlin, Renault, Armani

The Fox, The Folks | Indonesia

The Indonesian multimedia artist team ‘The Fox, The Folks’ enriches the Festival of Lights with the show RADIANT, which is reminiscent of an intoxicating computer game. At the beginning, everything appears gloomy, with grey clouds and lifeless water. But suddenly the sound of a liberation bell breaks through the darkness. A dazzling light changes the scenery, which could not be more contrasting: Hypnotically swirling tunnels teleport the viewer into brightly coloured worlds with lush flower meadows. A highly enjoyable journey that you will want to take again.

The Fox, The Folks

Ari Dykier | Poland

Ari Dykier’s light show THE SKY is an impressive celebration of freedom and the possibilities it opens up. People who live in a world in which they raise their voices together with their android companions and realise their dreams – those of flying and love. A timeless story is told in a nostalgic vintage style, using surreal elements to create a balance between reality and fantasy. Inspired by Wim Wenders’ “ The Sky Over Berlin”, Dykier tells of the freedom that inspires us and gives us the opportunity to reach the sky.

Ari Dykier

Hermes Mangialardo | Italy

LUMINOUS MINDSCAPES is a mesmerising video mapping show by successful visual artist Hermes Mangialardo, whose aim is to show and explore the vast and complex landscapes of the human mind. Viewers are taken on a journey through abstract representations of thoughts, emotions and subconscious images. Hermes Mangialardo blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, inviting the audience to experience the fluidity and vastness of the mind in this luminous way.

Hermes Mangialardo
a huge thank you for wonderful art to

Gita Kurdpoor | Germany/Iran

The artwork by Berlin-based artist Gita Kurdpoor is a vibrant depiction of peace in our world, where various colorful elements intertwine to create a powerful visual narrative. Through the contrast of good and evil, strength and weakness, the painting reflects the complexities of our human experience. It suggests that our world—our kingdom—has no boundaries, and that we should engage in a constant exchange with one another. The artwork serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all connected and responsible for shaping the peaceful coexistence of our shared world.

Gita Kurdpoor

Susan Gurnee | USA

Very special guest

Susan Gurnee

PLEASE NOTE

You are welcome to photograph this installation for personal use. However, we would like to inform you that commercial use of photos and videos of the installation without our permission is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your understanding.