Guest Researcher - PhD Candidate
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism
DFG-Research training group 2227
»Identity and Heritage«
Geschwister-Scholl-Str. 8
99421 Weimar, Germany
E-Mail: pablosantacana[at]gmail.com
Pablo Santacana López is an artist and researcher based between Berlin and Madrid. His work investigates the performative agency of archives and replicas within our social environments via process-oriented, site-specific projects. He is co-founder of art collective »Vendedores de Humo« and is a PhD candidate at the GraduiertenKolleg »Identity and Heritage« at the Fachhochschule Erfurt.
Dissertation - »Puy du Fou and the performed spatialization of History«
Investigating the global expansion of Puy du Fou, this dissertation explores the rising popularity of immersive historical performances in Europe. Examining methods derived from art, popular culture, and entertainment industries, it analyzes the political implications of spatializing history. The study proposes a new term, »softcore historicity«, departing from traditional hardcore reconstructions, and tests its meaning through a case study of Puy du Fou's theme parks in France and Spain. Created by French politician Philippe de Villiers, these parks turn local traditions into immersive historical spectacles, revealing the inherent political nature of historical representations and their connection to contemporary right-populist movements in France and Spain.
Research interests: historical reenactment, performative heritage, theme parks, immersion, embodiment.