A Cry into the Dark

Artwork

The work engages with the archetypal gesture of a scream—the human voice as our most personal instrument. A single, publicly visible act of courage can illuminate the monumental castle above the city in an instant. This creates a parallel to situations in which even a seemingly small gesture—a “cry into the darkness”—can trigger a strong response and shift the course of events around us. The interaction uses typographic illumination of the castle walls, opening space for imagination and new layers of meaning.

“A Cry into the Dark” is a direct invitation for every festival visitor to step out of the crowd and beyond their comfort zone. It shows that even an individual can, through the power of their voice, transform something as monumental and immovable as Trenčín Castle.

Authors

Štefan Oliš, Lukáš Matejka, and Pavol Soukal are Slovak intermedia artists and designers working across digital media, video art, light art, and interactive installations. In their practice, they explore the relationship between technology, image, and social reality, often working with experimental forms, functional materials, and a strong emphasis on process.

Their work reflects a range of themes, including social issues, crime, systemic critique, and questions of human relationships. They use humor, irony, and satire as tools to examine value systems as well as spiritual and interpersonal dynamics.

They are behind numerous festivals, exhibitions, and projects worldwide—from South Africa and Mexico to Finland and Saudi Arabia.