periscope:project:space

The series of studio visits continued last night, with a tour and discussion at periscope, a project space comprising work and display spaces. Two of periscope’s founders, Elisabeth Schmirl and Stefan Heizinger explained the ideas behind the spaces, and discussed how it reflects and plays a role in their own work. The idea of periscope in part stems from the tradition of studios which occasionally open to the public .

Much of the emphasis at periscope lies on the use and manipulation of space. The curators are interested in exhibitions which create a metamorphosis of the room. They have a full programme of exhibitions, as many artists are drawn to the freedom, and the challenge, that periscope provides.

Schmirl and Heizinger also shared examples of their own work, and the way they use the space. This ranges from practical issues such as light and blank white walls for viewing their work as they produce it, to more fundamental questions of process. Heizinger in particular is interested in the process, carefully documenting the production of a piece so that the process itself becomes the artwork. Schmirl also discussed issues of process, and explained how questions of scale, and the practical limits of size, effect her choice of medium.