Zlín mirrors
The exhibition Zlín Mirrors was created on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the first written mention of the city of Zlín and consists of a series of multimedia installations in the castle park.
The first of the three installations works with the distinctive perspective of writer Pavel Kosatík on the development of the city and its surroundings, which we subsequently supplemented and commented on through drawing. This created an intergenerational dialogue between text and image, which at times resonates and at times contrasts.
Besides this narrative part, there are two other installations in the castle park.
The immersive film provides an audiovisual experience that allows visitors to experience past moments of Zlín at different times, seasons, lights, during rural periods, during a fire, upon the arrival of the first train, in the Baťa development, as well as in contemporary moments. It is a frame-by-frame painted animation that treats each frame of the film as a picture.
The final installation is the mirrors of Zlín. A lyrical constellation of liquid shapes, poetically scattered among the most beautiful trees of the Zlín park, reflecting their crowns, the flowing sky, and curious passersby. The soul of this installation is a sound composition that celebrates cyclical time, the changing of the seasons, the lengthening and shortening of days, moments of equinoxes and solstices, and also functions as a surprising solar calendar or astronomical clock. The basis for the musical pieces, which resonate in the park at various times of the year, was meticulous mapping and study of the sound of bells in the bell towers of the Zlín region. Thus, vibrations from the bells flow through the park, creating a reduced geographical imprint of Zlín. The individual musical multichannel compositions, as well as their precise positioning in time and the year, correspond to the movement of the sun and stars. The sound level is supported by dynamic light that not only provides a visual accompaniment to the reflections and music, but also offers a poetic and playful alternative to the evening lighting of the park. This leads to a harmony between natural and artistic light, between the sounds of the park, the musical composition, and the flow of time. During the day, the mirrors speak to visitors with a polyphony of voices (not only historical) of Zlín characters through short testimonies. Thus, the mirrors of Zlín become a work that can exist precisely and only in this place, at this time.
"I am very pleased that the city has decided to realize such a unique exhibition that maps the history of Zlín, including the historical period before the arrival of the industrialist T. Baťa. Until now, a cohesive presentation of the history of the seat and its inhabitants has been lacking in the city. Through attractive multimedia elements and new technologies, the exhibition appeals to a wide audience and awakens awareness of local cultural identity. By placing the installation in Sady Svobody, a gradual renewal and enhancement of the cultural heritage, which is the natural landscape park surrounding the historical object of Zlín Castle, has begun. The park had previously been more of a passage than a meeting place, which has successfully changed. The exhibition in its current scope will be displayed in the park for at least another year," adds Martina Hladíková, Deputy Mayor of the statutory city of Zlín, on behalf of the investor.
1. Encyclopedia
The encyclopedia is a simple wooden wall with a circular footprint, approximately 40 meters long and 3 meters high. Its shape adapts to existing trees - retreating to the eaves line of their crowns, giving the wall a dynamic form. The outer layer is reflective polished steel sheet, while the inner surface is made of waterproof plywood serving as a canvas for artistic representation of 700 years of Zlín's history.
2. Immerse
The section called Immerse is essentially a simple summer cinema. The projection area is structurally similar to the Encyclopedia - a frame of waterproof plywood is clad with plywood panels on both sides, with the inner side facing the Encyclopedia being reflective polished steel. This creates an interesting optical theater for viewers between the two reflective surfaces - one flat and the other curved.
3. Testimonies
The last element of the exhibition consists of a group of mirrors placed on the lawn among the trees, evoking rain puddles. Their construction is also designed to be lightweight and non-invasive. The base is designed on earth screws, which anchor the Testimonies against displacement and tipping over. Above ground level, a simple heat- and moisture-insulated cabinet for technology will be placed. The "surface" itself is designed as a thin panel with a surface made of polished stainless steel. The individual elements are shape and size diverse - like real rain puddles.
Inside each element is placed a speaker and lighting technology. The elements are interconnected and synchronized into an immersive installation.
Additional Information
Pavel Kosatík is a Czech writer, screenwriter, and publicist. In his work, he mainly focuses on the modern history of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He is the author of several monographs on significant figures in Czech history and culture. He has received numerous awards.
Currently, an educational program "My Dear Zlín..." is being carried out in connection with the exhibition, emphasizing narrative and the feeling of being part of it, just like the exhibition itself. Educators guide children and students through stories from the history and present of Zlín. Subsequently, the children are encouraged to share and create their own stories in the context of time. Younger participants can immerse themselves in fantasy, while the older program brings an extension that can help mutual understanding and the development of empathy. All age groups are guided to discuss, express their own opinions and feelings, and to create during the educational program.
The first of the three installations works with the distinctive perspective of writer Pavel Kosatík on the development of the city and its surroundings, which we subsequently supplemented and commented on through drawing. This created an intergenerational dialogue between text and image, which at times resonates and at times contrasts.
Besides this narrative part, there are two other installations in the castle park.
The immersive film provides an audiovisual experience that allows visitors to experience past moments of Zlín at different times, seasons, lights, during rural periods, during a fire, upon the arrival of the first train, in the Baťa development, as well as in contemporary moments. It is a frame-by-frame painted animation that treats each frame of the film as a picture.
The final installation is the mirrors of Zlín. A lyrical constellation of liquid shapes, poetically scattered among the most beautiful trees of the Zlín park, reflecting their crowns, the flowing sky, and curious passersby. The soul of this installation is a sound composition that celebrates cyclical time, the changing of the seasons, the lengthening and shortening of days, moments of equinoxes and solstices, and also functions as a surprising solar calendar or astronomical clock. The basis for the musical pieces, which resonate in the park at various times of the year, was meticulous mapping and study of the sound of bells in the bell towers of the Zlín region. Thus, vibrations from the bells flow through the park, creating a reduced geographical imprint of Zlín. The individual musical multichannel compositions, as well as their precise positioning in time and the year, correspond to the movement of the sun and stars. The sound level is supported by dynamic light that not only provides a visual accompaniment to the reflections and music, but also offers a poetic and playful alternative to the evening lighting of the park. This leads to a harmony between natural and artistic light, between the sounds of the park, the musical composition, and the flow of time. During the day, the mirrors speak to visitors with a polyphony of voices (not only historical) of Zlín characters through short testimonies. Thus, the mirrors of Zlín become a work that can exist precisely and only in this place, at this time.
"I am very pleased that the city has decided to realize such a unique exhibition that maps the history of Zlín, including the historical period before the arrival of the industrialist T. Baťa. Until now, a cohesive presentation of the history of the seat and its inhabitants has been lacking in the city. Through attractive multimedia elements and new technologies, the exhibition appeals to a wide audience and awakens awareness of local cultural identity. By placing the installation in Sady Svobody, a gradual renewal and enhancement of the cultural heritage, which is the natural landscape park surrounding the historical object of Zlín Castle, has begun. The park had previously been more of a passage than a meeting place, which has successfully changed. The exhibition in its current scope will be displayed in the park for at least another year," adds Martina Hladíková, Deputy Mayor of the statutory city of Zlín, on behalf of the investor.
Materials
The exhibition consists of three interrelated elements:1. Encyclopedia
The encyclopedia is a simple wooden wall with a circular footprint, approximately 40 meters long and 3 meters high. Its shape adapts to existing trees - retreating to the eaves line of their crowns, giving the wall a dynamic form. The outer layer is reflective polished steel sheet, while the inner surface is made of waterproof plywood serving as a canvas for artistic representation of 700 years of Zlín's history.
2. Immerse
The section called Immerse is essentially a simple summer cinema. The projection area is structurally similar to the Encyclopedia - a frame of waterproof plywood is clad with plywood panels on both sides, with the inner side facing the Encyclopedia being reflective polished steel. This creates an interesting optical theater for viewers between the two reflective surfaces - one flat and the other curved.
3. Testimonies
The last element of the exhibition consists of a group of mirrors placed on the lawn among the trees, evoking rain puddles. Their construction is also designed to be lightweight and non-invasive. The base is designed on earth screws, which anchor the Testimonies against displacement and tipping over. Above ground level, a simple heat- and moisture-insulated cabinet for technology will be placed. The "surface" itself is designed as a thin panel with a surface made of polished stainless steel. The individual elements are shape and size diverse - like real rain puddles.
Inside each element is placed a speaker and lighting technology. The elements are interconnected and synchronized into an immersive installation.
Additional Information
Pavel Kosatík is a Czech writer, screenwriter, and publicist. In his work, he mainly focuses on the modern history of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He is the author of several monographs on significant figures in Czech history and culture. He has received numerous awards.
Currently, an educational program "My Dear Zlín..." is being carried out in connection with the exhibition, emphasizing narrative and the feeling of being part of it, just like the exhibition itself. Educators guide children and students through stories from the history and present of Zlín. Subsequently, the children are encouraged to share and create their own stories in the context of time. Younger participants can immerse themselves in fantasy, while the older program brings an extension that can help mutual understanding and the development of empathy. All age groups are guided to discuss, express their own opinions and feelings, and to create during the educational program.
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