In the heart of Toruń, a city where history and modernity dance in the shadows of its medieval architecture, the 15th edition of the Bella Skyway Festival took place this week under the evocative theme of “Overflow“. I walked through this annual celebration of light and art, finding myself immersed in a narrative that intertwined art, technology, nature, and the pressing concerns of our contemporary world.
The Bella Skyway Festival has long been a beacon of creativity in Poland, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness its stunning light installations, 3D projections, and interactive displays. This year’s theme, “Overflow“, felt especially resonant. In a world saturated with information, stimuli, and technological advancements, the festival posed a critical question: How do we navigate the abundance that defines our era without drowning in it?
At the core of the festival’s vision was the interplay between technology and nature – two forces often seen as oppositional but here presented as deeply interconnected. In our digital age, where the constant flow of data shapes our daily lives, “Overflow” served as both a reflection and a critique. The festival’s art installations echoed the relentless stream of notifications, the endless scroll of content, and the ever-present hum of digital life. Yet, they also offered a counterbalance, inviting us to pause, reflect, and consider the ways in which we can harness this overflow to enrich rather than overwhelm our lives.
One of the festival’s most striking installations was “Eternal Nexus” – Cultural hub of Bydgoskie Przedmieście and Gallery of Children’s Visual Creativity in Toruń – which transported viewers to a world of lost species, frozen in time. Birds, representing extinct species, hovered in a delicate balance, their fragile forms a stark reminder of the environmental impact of human activity. The intricate details of this installation captured both the beauty and the ephemerality of life, urging us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.
Another memorable installation was “Prometheus” – Studio MIHA – which used modern mapping technology to animate the facade of the Dąmbski Palace. The installation told the story of a robot on a quest for light, blending stop-motion animation with architectural projection. The vibrant, dynamic narrative captivated audiences, transforming the palace into a living canvas.
“Breathe!” – Marcus Anders – invited participants into a meditative experience where the rhythm of breath was synchronized with light and sound. This installation created a calming environment, encouraging viewers to align themselves with the programmed breathing cycle. The interplay of light and sound made “Breathe!” a deeply personal journey toward introspection and mindfulness.
The festival also featured “Human Things” – Anna Pytlak – a stop-motion mapping project that explored the richness of human experience through everyday objects and corporeal imagery. The installation flowed seamlessly from one theme to another, resembling a patchwork of comic book scenes that created a narrative reflecting the complexities of human life.
“Take Your Place” – Rodrigo Llavayol Doti – addressed social change through a powerful visual metaphor that depicted the evolving perceptions of gender over time. Using shadows, the installation illustrated the historical dominance of men, the empowerment of women, and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, encouraging reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain.
One of the festival’s standout pieces was “Ghost Nest” – Angela Sandwith – crafted from abandoned fishing nets, rope, and plastic debris collected from East Durham’s beaches. This nest-like structure, set on a steel frame, symbolized the environmental impact of human activity. During the day, its bright, intertwined ropes and plastic objects encouraged reflection on the materials we discard. At night, white electro-luminescent wires and flickering LEDs transformed the nest, creating an ethereal glow. At its center, spotlights created a dynamic play of light, adding a magical energy to the piece. “Ghost Nest” served as a poignant reminder of the damage caused by ghost fishing and pollution, urging viewers to consider their impact on the planet.
Other installations added distinct layers to the festival’s theme of “Overflow”. These works explored the mysteries of nature, the complexities of human experience, and our collective responsibility to the planet.
As the night sky transforms into a canvas of light and art, the Bella Skyway Festival reminds us that in our fast-paced digital world, there is still room for wonder and reflection. It encourages us to pause, appreciate the beauty around us, and consider how we can shape a more harmonious relationship with technology and nature.
