An exploration into the extinction and extension of Europe interwoven with the history of the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona and its cyclical process of reconstruction.

EUROPA is a film-performance that starts from the idea that Europe does not exist, idyllically. Europe is not, but it has the idea of being. Europe is a process of cyclical reconstruction and deconstruction.

The film takes the viewer to the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona, a work also constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed over time. Its materials (travertine and green marble, steel, glass) express geometric rigor, precision, clarity, or transparency. They present an idyllic space. Its walls create spaces, but they do not delimit or support the Pavilion; there is no entrance or exit. There is also no entrance or exit to Europe - idyllically - and one never arrives. Europe is in constant waiting and reconstruction. When will we reach Europe?

The composer is the sole protagonist in the film, adopting multiple identities in divergent realities. The work is presented as a clash between film and optical illusion, myth, and reality. A redefinition of Europe in reconstruction.

After the film-performance, there will be a colloquium

Difraccions is a cycle that explores new relationships between the different actors in the world of classical and contemporary music through a series of proposals that bring together new profiles of creators and enable new relationships with the public, with a central focus on local talent and the decentralisation of the avant-garde throughout the territory.

Links of interest:
https://www.gemmaragues.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@gemmaragues 
https://vimeo.com/user25888575 

Performer: Gemma Ragués

Collaboration: Difraccions

Gemma Ragués (Barcelona,1993).
Compositora, intèrpret i també escriptora especialitzada en música contemporània i experimental. La seva música troba el seu terreny en la paleta acústica i la seva arrel en profundes idees conceptuals i poètiques. Sovint entrecreua els sons acústics i electrònics, presència física i performativitat, vídeo i text. Treballa en el vincle entre els sons i la gestualitat dels músics, una relació present en les seves darreres obres. Ha actuat en escenaris com Biennale de Venezia Musica, Tafelhalle Nürnberg i les seves obres han estat estrenades per ensembles com Neue Vocalsolisten, VORTEX Ensemble, Biel Symphony Orchestra, NEC o NEKO3, entre d’altres; en festivals com Biennale de Venezia, ECLAT23, Jardins Musicaux o Musikfestival Bern.

EUROPA

Direction, composition, performance, sound design: Gemma Ragués

Cinematography direction: Núria Gascón

Sound mastering, trailer: Samuel Gfeller

Filmed at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona

Aknowledgements: Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion