Experimental Media Archaeology on stage

On 7 September, the Kulturfabrik in Esch-Alzette became the stage of a hands-on media archeology performance.

This edition of the Forum Z was organised in the framework of the Doing Experimental Media Archaeology (DEMA) research project. Funded by the FNR, this project aims to study the potential of hands-on experimentation in order to better understand and experience the materiality of old media technologies and their practices of use.

After an introduction by the director of the C²DH and PI of the DEMA project, Andreas Fickers, the live demonstrations started with Aleksander Kolkowski and his Auxetophone and Stentorphone air-amplified gramophones (ca. 1908-1921). A giant 3D-printed exponential horn, based on a design from 1929, attached to an authentic gramophone, filled the room with music.

Andreas Fickers presenting the DEMA project
Live demonstration by Aleksander Kolkowski of a gramophone using a giant exponential gramophone horn
The giant 3D-printed exponential gramophone horn has a total length of 2.4 m and a horn mouth of 1.2 m
Needle and disc change
Original gramophone (approx. 1930)
Aleksander Kolkowski expaining the challenges of re-enactment
Many people joined the experience

The demonstrations then turned into a more visual experience with Tim van der Heijden showing the Kinora motion picture viewing technology (ca. 1907). The audience witnessed a live demonstration of original and replica models, and a screening of 9.5mm reels with a Pathé-Baby film projector (ca. 1924) on an original projection screen.

Tim van der Heijden braught along an impressive collection of original home cinema projectors
Original home cinema projector
Tim van der Heijden operating the Kinora motion picture viewing technology (ca. 1907)
Family movie recorded with almost a hundred years old technology
Pathé-Baby film projector (ca. 1924)
Original Pathé Baby film poster
Original projection screen
New technology meeting historical devices

Then followed a mesmerizing Magic Lantern Show by Karin Bienek & Ludwig Vogl-Bienek (illuminago) with gramophone accompaniment by Aleksander Kolkowski.