Ec(h)o
- Csilla Toldy
- Apr 17, 2024
- 2 min read
I am delighted that after a few years of gestation, including my long-time fixation with the idea of a ring of fire -last year I finished this 16-minute-long film poem about the elements that create our world.
The project takes its title from Greek mythology. Echo in Greek mythology is the nymph whose own voice is never heard. She is cursed to repeat what she hears, thus she is ignored by all. This can be seen as an analogy for present-day attitudes to ecology disregarding the threat of extinction. Eco-activists echo what they have said many times. Who is listening?
For Ec(h)o, I developed an immersive installation supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Although I would argue that the 16-minute long film, screened in a loop, would be immersive in itself, the presentation, or installation is planned as a multisensory experience. I want to engage as many senses as possible, sight, sound, spatial awareness, movement and touch. The footage is made up of four video poems, each representing an element – air, water, earth, fire, with animation, screened in a loop, on three huge screens at Armagh Planetarium. The film screening is part of an exhibition on climate change. A globe is in the middle of the room where through touch control, the audience can explore the planets of our solar system. Can we leave this planet and go out there? Exploring them it is the more amazing that only our blue planet has life as we know it. Our precious Earth.
I am glad as the Planetarium has daily visits of school children and college students in big numbers, and perhaps, this artwork can raise as much awareness as the information in the Copernicus Hall on the floor: maps that show us how flooded Northern Ireland will be in 2100 - the Titanic Museum will be under water. Another sinking forecast? I won't be here to see it, but my grandchildren might and I wish them a better future.
Ec(h)o will be on the programme of the Planetarium from 20th April until 12th May. I will have an artist talk on Saturday 27th at 1 pm. Hope to see you there.
This immersive installation is a powerful and moving response to the ecological crisis. The metaphor of Echo—repeating a warning that goes unheeded—is hauntingly apt for our current moment. It’s a powerful call to action for us to truly listen. As we strive to be active stewards of our planet, it’s crucial we also care for our own well-being so we can continue the work. Maintaining healthy knees is fundamental for staying mobile and active, whether you're joining a climate march or simply tending to your own garden. For anyone looking to ease joint discomfort and support their mobility, I've found that a quality Knee massager can be a great help. If you're in the market, you can explore a knee…
This is a deeply moving and thought‑provoking project, Csilla. The way you’ve woven together the elements, the myth of Echo, and the urgent message of climate change into a multisensory installation is truly powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder that engaging our senses and emotions is key to connecting with the world around us. On a different note, for those who find joy in engaging with the outdoors through play, a high‑performance RC car like those in the mjx rc lineup (especially the mjx hyper go series) offers a thrilling, hands‑on way to explore and appreciate open spaces. You can see the range at mjxrccars.com. Wishing you a wonderful exhibition at the Planetarium – I hope it sparks many important conversations.…