10 questions for… Issue 03

In our interview, Raphael and Christian share insights into their sources of inspiration, talk about projects such as the interactive installation REFUGIA at the Haunersche Children’s Hospital and explain their vision of sustainable video art. It also becomes clear how the collaboration with #teamgral enables them to realise their creative ideas in public spaces.

1. Can you tell us about your artistic background and your inspirations?

Our professional background is in theatre. We have been working at the “Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz” and other theatres in Germany for many years. In the theatre, you learn the craft of video production for large-scale projections in combination with stage sets. You have to take the respective play into account, but often have a lot of creative leeway. You learn to develop creative ideas to support and realise the vision of the leading team. The event industry is different in some respects, but many things can be easily transferred.

2. How do you develop ideas for new projects and where do you get your inspiration from?

We draw our inspiration primarily from the experience of previous projects. We travel with open eyes, visit museums and events and are constantly collecting ideas that we then incorporate into our concepts.

3. Which artists or movements influence your work the most?

In the digital art scene, we particularly appreciate the work of Sofia Crespo, whose use of data visualisations in combination with AI inspires us a lot. We are also particularly impressed by the poetic works of the teamLab group. For inspiration, we always look to the “Moment Factory” and “All of it now” groups.

4. What techniques and technologies do you use in your work?

Each work can have a completely different approach. At the core, we use 3D real-time visualisation programs such as Unreal, Touchdesigner and Notch, along with modelling tools such as Blender and Cinema 4D. We also use various AI tools, including for tracking applications. We use media servers from Pixera for mapping and the final output on site.

5. What is a project that you are particularly proud of?

Our interactive installation REFUGIA at the Haunersche Children’s Hospital was a particularly formative project. There, the children can occupy themselves while waiting and control the colour worlds with their movements. The project has opened up new perspectives for both the children and the clinic staff. One doctor told us that she asks the children about the colours of the artwork during their treatment to distract them. Projects like this, which have a social impact, inspire us the most.

Picture: WE ARE VIDEO

6. How do you see the role of video art and interactive video installations at events?

We have been active in the video art scene for many years and develop interactive installations for events. Our approach is to create sustainable solutions. In our opinion, it makes no sense to programme complex installations that are only used for one evening and then discarded. That’s why we have developed a variety of different creations that can be customised for events and hired out.

7. What are the major challenges in realising your projects?

The key challenges are ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on time – technology, art and all the necessary authorisations. GRAL has proven to be a reliable partner in this aspect, both in the past and for the future.

Picture: WE ARE VIDEO

8. For which projects / project components has a collaboration with the GRAL team been useful and helpful ?

The collaboration with the GRAL event agency team is mutual. We deliver creative and interactive concepts, while GRAL helps us with the authorisations for large-scale projections and light installations. In some cases, up to seven licences are required from different departments. Thanks to GRAL, we have often been able to obtain authorisations in record time.

9. Which topics and concepts do you particularly want to focus on in the future?

Our aim is to inspire people by combining creativity and technology. With a given theme, we develop a suitable concept that should impress visually and in terms of content, thereby attracting attention.

10. What projects are you working on in the coming months that we can marvel at (in Munich)?

We are currently showing our work and collaborations at the Lokschuppen Rosenheim as part of the TITANIC exhibition: for this extraordinary project, we created an interactive installation of the ship and produced a haunting film about the sinking of the Titanic.

Another current project is the FUTURE BOX exhibition in the Forum of the Future at the Deutsches Museum. Our part here was primarily in the area of design and controlling the trades involved. Visitors are guided through the exhibition by an artificial intelligence system.

The interactive installation AI DREAMSTREAM Gasteig HP8 can also be seen in Hall E until 30 April – and together with the GRAL team, we will certainly also be making a contribution to the New Year’s Eve Mile 2025!

Thank you very much!