Playmodes
Playmodes is a tandem of digital artisans.
Santi Vilanova and Eloi Maduell, taught in the fields of graphic design, musical composition and computer engineering, conceive works halfway between art, science and audiovisual research.
All of their projects are developed using home-made technologies, and take the form of immersive light installations, graphic works, sculptural devices, kinetic engines, scenography or multimedia concerts that explore an abstract universe of visual music.
Inspired by natural phenomena, scientific research, literature, abstract art, experimental animation or contemporary music, they develop abstract pieces that - from multiple perspectives - consolidate the perception of space, light, sound and time.
In recent years, Playmodes has developed projects on an international scale: New York, Berlin, Melbourne, Shanghai, São Paulo, Geneva, Rome or London. For international art institutions such as the ZKM-Karlsruhe, Ars Electronica in Linz or Copenhagen Opera; at light festivals such as Lyon’s Fete des Lumieres, Prague’s Signal, Barcelona’s LlumBCN or Luz Madrid; or for contemporary music events such as Sónar in Barcelona, Day for Night in Houston, DGTL in Amsterdam or Aggregate in Berlin. They have been awarded international distinctions in the field of design, music and new media, and their artworks have been acquired by an international network of art collectors.
"Astres", a journey into Playmodes immersive visual music creations
Now that light pollution in cities makes it impossible to gaze at the stars and recall the ancient stories told by constellations, “Astre”s emerges as an immersive experience aimed at recovering this universal heritage. A ritual of artistic expression, technology, and natural phenomena, using laser projection mapping and spatial sound to enhance perception of the night sky.
In this talk, Playmodes delves into the scientific, artistic, technical, and philosophical details of the Astres project, while referencing some key works from their career and the creative coding techniques that make this live visual music piece possible.
