RELIC: A Monumental Fusion of Light and Fog

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Bringing together artistry and technology, the installation "RELIC" by Polish artist Karolina Halatek graces the terrace of the Opéra de Metz in France, adding a centerpiece to the celebrated Constellations Festival in Metz. This monumental creation seamlessly blends light and fog, offering a unique sensory experience.

Becoming a Living Monument
RELIC is a monumental and pyramidal light installation, an immersion in light and fog. The artwork consists of circular metal steps traversed by a vertical beam of white light, from which artificial fog emanates. The beam of light extends into the sky, visible from afar. Like a magnet, the crowd converges towards this magnetic luminous vessel. The audience can access the top of the artwork, immerse themselves in the light and fog, and become a living monument.

Today, we are constantly bombarded with information; smartphones, social media, and incessant notifications are distractions that constantly capture our attention. Media, news, and multiple entertainment platforms provide an endless stream of information and amusement. We live in an era of immediacy, speed, and tight schedules, which strongly impacts our ability to concentrate. The installation provides a counterbalance to the virtual disembodiment.

RELIC offers – for a brief moment – the practice of mindfulness: to focus and appreciate the present moment, disconnect from distractions, and concentrate on what is happening here and now. The performative nature of RELIC emphasizes the value of each individual. Interacting with the installation allows one to become aware of the simultaneous creation of personal and collective history : it can be used as a public spot for regeneration, a place of rest or contemplation, or creating new interactions.

RELIC is positioned at the heart of the city to surprise, inspire dreams, offer a new perspective, and illuminate its visitors.

Karolina Halatek
Polish artist Karolina Halatek uses light as the central medium in her work. She creates site-specific experiential spaces that incorporate visual, architectural, and sculptural elements. Considering her work primarily as a catalyst for experiences, the artist creates installations with immersive characteristics that are the result of collaborations with quantum physicists, founders of the superstring theory (Leonard Susskind, Roger Penrose, Carlo Rovelli), and precision mechanical engineers. She explores experiences that push the boundaries of human knowledge, seeking a visual language to evoke the feelings and emotions of virtually unknown phenomena. During her studies in Berlin, she participated in workshops at the Institut für Raumexperimente led by Olafur Eliasson. Halatek has exhibited extensively worldwide and holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest LED Structure - Beacon, exhibited at the Noor Riyadh festival in Saudi Arabia.

In 2022, Karolina is among the 40 artists featured in the first volume of the book "Women Light Artists," edited and curated by Light Collective, and she also designed the cover for the book.

Artist: Karolina Halatek
Curation & Production: TETRO+A
Drawing and technical direction: Simon Zerbib / Les Structographes
Manufacturing: Art Composit & Art Project
Artistic Liaison: Aperto Arts
Photos: Karolina Halatek

From June 22 to September 2nd, 2023, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• Until July 22nd: 10 pm–12.15 am
• From July 27 to August 12: 9.30 pm–12.15 am
• From August 17 to September 2nd: 9 pm–12.15 am
On the terrace of the Opéra de Metz, as part of the Constellations Festival in Metz
Free and open access