Interdisciplinary Quadrennial. Impressions from Prague

The Prague Quadrennial (PQ) stands as a distinguished international competitive exhibition, showcasing scenography, theatre architecture, spatial design, costume design, and multicultural projects at the intersections of various genres. This collaborative event, held every four years since 1967, is not merely a festival of the latest theatrical developments; rather, it has evolved into a platform that delves into progressive approaches, new media, and interdisciplinary relationships. PQ 2023 featured the work of several hundred artists from dozens of countries, presented through projects curated by PQ's international team and major competitive exhibitions.

The 15th edition of PQ unfolded from 8 to 18 June 2023, with its primary venue being the grounds and pavilions of the Holešovická tržnice market. Amidst PQ presentations, one could still engage in everyday activities like buying trainers or a Panama hat, creating a dynamic backdrop that mirrors the diverse choices and tireless materiality inherent in this global art representation.

In 2023, Latvia made a confident contribution to both student and professional PQ competitions. The student exhibition, designed for open-air display, prioritized adaptability to inclement weather. Latvian stage design students, along with their instructors Monika Pormale, Viktors Jansons, Reinis Suhanovs, and Martins Kalsers, conceived an intriguing, concise, and impressive structure named "New World." Crafted from black-painted plywood, this architectural cube featured numerous individual vertical openings offering glimpses of the Prague sky. The black color and cube design evoked the symbolism of the Kaaba, infusing a minimalist temple atmosphere where each person had their specific 'channel' for communicating with the heavens. The strict design seamlessly merged with augmented reality, using a storage area network application. When viewed through a smartphone lens, the actual structure transformed, complemented by virtual sketches and the work of student set designers.

Other projects encompassed both installation elements and recurring performances, showcasing a diverse range of approaches and visual ideas. However, the overall impression felt akin to a progressive entertainment park of impressions, possibly driven by the shared objective among participants to surprise and engage in discussions about themselves and their practices.