CECILIA (in concert) ft Guardians of Time

Last year, they made quite an impression at GLOW Veldhoven. Five mysterious figures in long robes, their faces completely concealed beneath their hoods. Manfred Kielnhofer’s Guardians of Time are timeless protectors, symbolising protection, reflection and human existence.

This year, they return. This time in front of St Cecilia’s Church, where an extraordinary encounter awaits.

On the church façade, St Cecilia, patron saint of music, appears in a surprising new form. Half human, half machine, she gives an extraordinary organ concert. A concert without sound, but full of imagination. The Guardians are invited too.

Cecilia seems to have emerged from a world of AI. But appearances can be deceiving. No algorithms. No AI. Just a ballpoint pen and the imagination of Joop van der Velden.

What is still genuine art, and what is art-ificial?

Two very different works of art come together. One rooted in age-old symbolism, the other taking a cynical look at a world dominated by technology. And somewhere between them stands humanity.

The Guardians remain silent. Time moves on. Cecilia plays.