26 July 2024 | Images: Margot Lavigne

From 12-14 July, the industrial grandeur of Zollverein in Essen, Germany, was transformed into a haven for techno enthusiasts as the Stone Techno Festival 2024 unfolded. This year’s edition, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, saw an impressive lineup including DVS1, SPFDJ, Oscar Mulero, Dasha Rush, ANNĒ, Ben Sims, Skee Mask and Sedef Adasï. The festival was a reflection to the Ruhr Area's evolution from a post-industrial landscape to a beacon of cultural and social renaissance.

Among the highlights of the festival was the work of photographer Margot Lavigne, whose striking images captured the raw energy and vibrant atmosphere of the event. Lavigne, a graphic artist with a Master’s in Artistic Direction from ECV, has been refining her unique visual style since 2020. Her passion for illustration and slow life values is evident in her evocative photographs.

Lavigne’s photos from the festival are a masterclass in visual storytelling. Her keen eye for detail and composition brings out the juxtaposition of the historic industrial setting with the futuristic beats of techno music. Each image resonates with the pulsating rhythms of the performances, highlighting the intense connection between the audience and the festival site’s unique texture. Lavigne’s work documents the event but elevates it, offering viewers a glimpse into the soul of the festival through her lens.

The Stone Techno Festival, with its multifaceted approach encompassing music, culture, politics, science and social themes, continues to be a cornerstone of the techno scene. Margot Lavigne’s contributions this year have added a new dimension to the festival’s narrative, celebrating both its heritage and its forward-looking vision.

View the photos below.