Finalist: “SOUL”, by Ari Dykier

What are the artworks we will see on the impressive facades of Independence Square in just a few days?

Among the finalists in the international “Urban Pulse” competition is the show SOUL, created by Polish artist Ari Dykier. Through it, he demonstrates еven beautiful facade of the building is an empty ghost without inhabitants. The city gains it’s flow of energy from humans vitality, from their activity, passion, emotion and all the love that is running with blood in veins. People are Soul of the city giving it real , living appearance , meaning and direction. The project SOUL is depicting all that elements depicting city as vibrant imaginative being in black and white ..and red

What attracted you to participate in the Urban Pulse competition?
Obviously the idea of immersive animation and very unique place where mappings  will be projected.

What was the main inspiration behind your concept?
Most of my life I live in the cities. That are the places with always special energy and city itself with the rythm , tempo and people living there are the main inspiration.

If the audience closes their eyes after seeing your show, which scene or moment would you most like them to remember?
There’s a scene that includes technology development and  modern city with machines and robots . I would like that scene to be remembered. Also in general black , white and red character of animation.

What has been the most technically challenging aspect of creating a work for such a large-scale outdoor immersive projection environment?
There’s biggest challenge for that creation was to imagine myself how the audience will be perceiving the mapping as it’s hard to observe everything in the same moment in projection around us . I was wandering if ll the story will be clearly visible from different spots.

The event is also a celebration of Sofia Day. In your opinion, what is most important for a city to be or to offer to its people? And what would be your wish for Sofia?
I think the culture in general. To bring international artists and to support the local ones because the culture makes people live more attractive and boosts inner development. I wish the city which means the people of the city to feel very deeply the meaning of their lives, to be proud of themselves and of the city.