In reference to the mythological animal, this bird takes the form and dress of multiple endangered species.
The soundtrack accompanies the variations and ends with sounds of deforestation. These machine sounds evoke the forest areas devastated by gold panning in South America and the ecological consequences that cyanide and TNT, necessary for these operations, inflict on the local ecosystem.
Phoenix is a metal structure 11m long, 15m wide and 5m high, animated by LEDmapping. Each edge is individually animated to generate the overall shape and colour transitions. The facades around impregnate colours and dialogue with the installation.
An audio-visual loop takes us across continents, into contemplative atmospheres and bird noises, and invites the viewer to travel and wonder.
Julien Menzel is a Franco-German artist from Lyon. This city, origin of the « festival of lights », has strongly influenced the artistic orientation of his work: constantly seeking to tame photons, he thinks together light and kinetic. Light and interactive installations, augmented drawings and scenography are its places of expression.
Influenced by his architecture curriculum, his work is marked by a great sensitivity to forms, materials and their plastic qualities. From small-scale work (he composes a series of anamorphic canvases in 2020) to monumental scenographic installations (Phoenix, for the Lyon Festival of Lights in 2021), his works invite us to dialogue with what is existing and immerse ourselves in luminous spaces.
