Zalán Szakács is an artist who brings together immersive art, scenography, and research into historical media. For his project Lichtspiel he conducted a media archaeological investigation into the perceptual qualities of projection techniques from the 17th century. During this shifting period between the mystical time of alchemy and the scientific inventions of the Enlightenment, machines and instruments were not only seen as functional and technical objects but also carried metaphorical narratives.

Szakács’ site-specific version of Lichtspiel engages with the water-flooded basement of Koelhuis Eindhoven through light, haze, and sound. Lichtspiel interprets unrealised machine drawings from four centuries ago through contemporary technologies. Inspired by the writings of the Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher, Szakács guides the public through the shifting environment of the underworld. They become part of the work as their shadows form on the walls while they move through the space. By combining various kaleidoscopic lenses with a kinetic motor, the spectators find themselves in a configuration of mysticism and technology.