We have already written countless lines about Daniel Popper, the creator of The Swamp stage. After last year’s grandiose upgrade of this stage by the river Mrežnica, we decided to ask the artist a few questions personally. We’ve also included some of your questions… and the one you’re most interested in is the name of his new statue. You can find the answer below.
Q: You dropped for a short visit this summer… We know it’s difficult, but share with us briefly your impressions of the 2024 edition of the Mo:Dem Festival?
POPPER: The Mo:Dem Festival far exceeded my expectations. It was one of the most, if not the most, impressive productions I’ve ever experienced in all my years of attending festivals.
Q: Did you manage to set aside some time for music, and if so, what caught your ear?
POPPER: We were mostly at The Swamp and the night we attended we got to hear some great music from Josie Telch, Zmayo and Golanski.
Q: Where did the idea for the new stage design at The Swamp come from?
POPPER: It was a collaboration with the Mo:Dem team and was a gradual evolution over the years.
Q: Even those of us who watched your sketches from the very beginning and saw the preliminary work of the VJs were surprised by the grandiosity of the final product. Admit it, how did you feel on The Swamp dance floor?
POPPER: Absolutely blown away! To see it all come together was a really special feeling. It would not have been possible without the amazing modem crew who worked to pull it all off so seamlessly.
Q: How do you look at your first artistic venture at the Mo:Dem Festival today? Did Jolene go beyond your role as “a parent” and do you think she completely leads her own life now?
POPPER: Yes she has her own spirit in The Swamp. Still one of my favorites.
Q: Any comments on the name Jolene?
POPPER: Ha-ha-ha… nope.
Q: For now, the second statue remains a mystery. Can you tell us something more about him / her and shed some light on the newcomers’ background.
POPPER: She belongs to The Swamp community now to create their own story and meaning.
Q: Does that mean you don’t want to name a new statue?
POPPER: Like I said, I think it’s best if the community gives her a name.
Q: Anything to add?
POPPER: Mo:Dem is one of the most unique special events in the world today.
There is no time to waste, write to us directly here or in DM, because it is YOU who decides on the name.
• • • •
Next Mo:Dem Festival is scheduled for 4 – 10 August 2025.
With love, passion and commitment,
Mo: Dem Crew
Photo by Transformational Eye
