Manca Ahlin explores the threshold between traditional craftmaking and contemporary computer driven methods of design and fabrication in various scales from jewelry pieces to architecture. Her intricate handmade pieces are mostly made in bobbin lace technique that originates in the highlands of Western Slovenia. Firefly’s bioluminescent light is the most efficient light in the world – whole 100% of the energy in the chemical reaction is emitted as light of a firefly. Light pollution in modern environment and habitat destruction are main contributing factors to firefly decline. Fireflies will not migrate to another field if theirs is paved over – they will just disappear forever. In urban environment we hardly notice the moon, stars are almost nonexistent for us and fireflies are becoming a myth. Firefly wants to remind us of the beauty of the energy in nature. It asks to reconsider the consumerist lifestyle and the consumption of the energy in our daily lives. Digitally designed and handcrafted with reused materials and zero waste, Firefly is the beacon that will lead towards the future with the renewable energy sources.

Co-Curated by Helena Frei & Chris Mitchell Hard Twist 9 Fibre Optics – Textiles in the Digital Age plugs into the juncture where textile connects with computer technology and exposes how the digital touches cloth. On view August 28 to December 28, 2014 on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Hotel.