“BLACK OUT” is a lecture-performance by Elisa Balmaceda, conceived for the Biennale für Freiburg 3. The event is based on her ongoing project “Observatorio Cosmotelúrico” and takes place at the peak of Solar Cycle #25 - a phase of intense solar activity that recurs approximately every eleven years and can cause disruptions in energy and communication infrastructures. In 2025, this phase coincides with increasing ecological instability and deepening imbalances in the Earth's energy cycles and metabolic systems.

In this context, the term “blackout” should be understood both literally and symbolically: It refers not only to a potential collapse of power grids and technical systems, but also to an opportunity to reconnect with alternative energetic worldviews.

With a reference to Freiburg - known as the sunniest city in Germany - Elisa links findings from a local archive of so-called hidden knowledge, from Andean cosmotechnics and from science. The focus is on a non-exploitative, relationship-oriented perspective on solar energy and the cycles of life on earth.

Using video, spoken language, archival objects and sensory media, the performance invites the audience to tune into the cosmic rhythms and subtle forces that shape life on earth.

Using video, spoken language, archival objects and sensory media, the performance invites the audience to tune into the cosmic rhythms and subtle forces that shape life on our planet in times of ecological crisis.

This event will be held in English.

“BLACK OUT” is a lecture-performance by Elisa Balmaceda, conceived for the Biennale für Freiburg 3. The event is based on her ongoing project “Observatorio Cosmotelúrico” and takes place at the peak of Solar Cycle #25 - a phase of intense solar activity that recurs approximately every eleven years and can cause disruptions in energy and communication infrastructures. In 2025, this phase coincides with increasing ecological instability and deepening imbalances in the Earth's energy cycles and metabolic systems.

In this context, the term “blackout” should be understood both literally and symbolically: It refers not only to a potential collapse of power grids and technical systems, but also to an opportunity to reconnect with alternative energetic worldviews.

With a reference to Freiburg - known as the sunniest city in Germany - Elisa links findings from a local archive of so-called hidden knowledge, from Andean cosmotechnics and from science. The focus is on a non-exploitative, relationship-oriented perspective on solar energy and the cycles of life on earth.

Using video, spoken language, archival objects and sensory media, the performance invites the audience to tune into the cosmic rhythms and subtle forces that shape life on earth.

Using video, spoken language, archival objects and sensory media, the performance invites the audience to tune into the cosmic rhythms and subtle forces that shape life on our planet in times of ecological crisis.

This event will be held in English.