Shy Society

Shy Society is a site-specific outdoor commission for the Palazzo Strozzi courtyard. The performance transforms the Renaissance courtyard into an immersive stage for a performance that merges art, nature, and technology.

The work consists of seven large elements placed in the open space of the courtyard that float slowly and sinuously, opening and closing in a genuine choreography. Their dance is accompanied by an evocative soundtrack by the contemporary American composer RZA that creates an atmosphere of contemplation and strong sensory engagement. Each element continuously unfolds and retracts based on software designed to mimic the unpredictable and natural movements of flowers, thus offering a reflection on the interrelationship between nature and artifice, control and wonder. The software also reacts in real-time to weather elements to ensure the smooth operation of the performance.

Shy Society is inspired by the fascinating natural phenomenon known as “nyctinasty,” where certain species of plants and flowers close at night and reopen at sunrise for self-defense and to conserve their resources. This phenomenon not only prompts us to reflect on the concept of nature’s beauty but also invites us to consider the idea of adaptation to the environment by all forms of life. Just as flowers open and close in response to natural cycles, we humans are also called to transform and adapt to the challenges presented by our surroundings. This installation reminds us that metamorphosis is an integral part of life and that adaptation is essential for our survival.

The installation at Palazzo Strozzi is an invitation to reimagine the historical context of Palazzo Strozzi as a new and evocative place of exploration. DRIFT wants to reanimate the courtyard, and to encourage new modes of engagement with the space. 

Photos by Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio