On the moment of change there is always a new threshold of imagination
An experiment of institutional programming on exhibition making through a contextual shift
December 5, 2014–February 28, 2015
Artspace
Level 1, 300 Karangahape Road
Auckland
New Zealand
With contributions from Nilbar Güreş, Samir Harb, Index, Toril Johannessen, Christodoulos Panayiotou, Viron Erol Vert, Fancy Violence, Vangelis Vlahos and more.
On the moment of change there is always a new threshold of imagination is a research-based experimental project, which intends to develop, introduce, and integrate a new curatorial perspective into the institutional framework, exhibition programming and organisational structure of Artspace, Aotearoa New Zealand. The project will include the exhibit of art works, staging of performances, and events that will operate as references for the abstraction, conception and perception of change.
The curatorial strategy behind the new conceptual directions for institutional programming departs from the current needs of the institution and the physical reality of its location. It draws inspiration from literature, towards imagining a new linguistic experience, the feeling of an unknown landscape, and breathing in a different climate. The approach aims to identify common necessities shared by Artspace, audiences and authors, and eventually to lead the community to a schedule of changes, formations and restructuring during the process of the exhibition.
The complex equation designed by the new Artspace Director Misal Adnan Yıldız, in conversation with the Artspace team, the Auckland art community and a potential audience takes into account conditions, expectations and inspirations in the air. The project stands on two methodical key statements:
–Any exhibition is born out of a need. Its production, installation and reception are based on such a critical decision-making process of balancing necessities (which could be artistic, contextual, cultural, institutional, social, political or art-historical) at critical moments of conceptualisation, facilitation, and communication.
–Institutions with a strong dedication to research and development into public access, and an interest in designing new learning experiences are more fit to create efficient exhibition forms as well as creative ideas. A programme which is seeded in the local context will logically catch international attention and have long-term impact.
The exhibit of art works will focus on critical perspectives of body transformation, mind travel, the archeology of knowledge and the engineering of life, as well as rituals of transgression and stages of repetition. On the moment of change there is always a new threshold of imagination aims to operate as an open studio space for collective learning experiences. Selected literature pieces will gradually arrive in the Artspace Reading Room, with a parallel programme of events, reading sessions and discussions planned.
At Altitude/Opening with a performance piece from Toril Johannessen: December 5, 6pm
And Artists for Kobanê: New Zealand Launch, with a special contribution from Billy Apple
Curatorial Notes inside the Cockpit: December 6, 2pm
Touch Down: February 28, 2015, 2pm
Diversions, Transfers and Connecting Flights (performance and events program): TBA
Artspace gallery will be closed for the summer break December 20, 2014–January 20, 2015.
