Stefano Cagol “We Own the Futures”, 2025

THE DAY OF LIGHT: At the stroke of midnight marking the start of the UN International Day of Light, the Italian city of Brixen (Bressanone) in South Tyrol witnessed a striking artistic performance. A series of SOS torches was ignited by renowned Italian artist Stefano Cagol, symbolizing a global call to give attention to the future relationship between robot and human.
“I think in this case, International Day of Light is giving us a big big eye opener for, an issue, what is coming in the next years.” says Werner Zanotti, Curator.
In a bold gesture, Cagol invited a humanoid robot to join him in his signature SOS torch performance, held in front of Brixen's grand cathedral. The piece, titled “We Own the Futures,” explored the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines.

“So with the robot, I will share my time, my space,” says Stefano Cagol, Artist.
“We have this kind of technological revolution”, continued Stefano Cagol, Artist. "So we need to face it. We need to think about it. We need to balance."
At a time when humanity is rapidly reshaping its relationship with technology, the new Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the role of artificial intelligence, emphasizing both its risks and transformative potential.
"They're going to change the whole life on Earth. I don't think we know what's coming in the next years. So this is a dystopic moment, and I think Stefano's artwork is very important — exactly now", ends Werner Zanotti, Curator
The performance visualized both the possibilities and the uncertainties of the relationship and how the future will be shared. Surrounded by SOS firelight and a glowing red atmosphere, the performance ended with Cagol and the robot gazing up at the Sun, as footage from NASA was projected onto the cathedral looking at the “futures” together.
"We will have a kind of mystical ceremony with fire, with a circle of light. We will look at the sun, the stars — in a kind of message of hope and peace."
says Stefano Cagol
The torches, visible up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo), lit up the historic center of Brixen/Bressanone in a spectacle of red light.
Stefano Cagol & brixen.org. 16 mag 2025