Episodes

  • Uffe Isolotto on World-Building, Collaboration and Venice Biennale
    Dec 9 2025

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    An enlightening conversation with celebrated Danish artist Uffe Isolotto. Discover his journey from growing up in a remote town in Denmark to being selected to represent his country at the prestigious Venice Biennale.

    Learn how Uffe balances work and life, the nuances of his collaborative process, and his unique approach to installation art.

    Key insights include:

    • The role of music and collaboration in his creative process.

    • Uffe’s early inspirations and how he evolved from poetry to visual art.

    • The logistics and challenges of creating large-scale immersive installations and collaborating with other artists and craftsmen.

    • Behind-the-scenes about preparing for the Venice Biennale and the unexpected aftermath.

    • Future projects and Uffe’s interest in film and world-building as part of his artistic practice.

    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Isolotto’s process and his innovative approach to contemporary installation art.

    You can follow Uffe on Instagram at @uffeisolotto https://www.instagram.com/uffeisolotto/ and learn more about his installation for the Danish Pavilion at Venice Biennale at @wewalkedtheearth https://www.instagram.com/wewalkedtheearth

    04:47 Journey into Art and Education

    10:07 First Major Projects and Public Art

    12:34 Venice Biennale Experience

    15:57 Collaborations and Challenges

    18:19 Creative Process and World Building

    28:04 Skills and People Management

    30:49 Exploring Hyperrealistic Sculpture

    31:30 Post-Venice Reflections

    33:14 Venturing into Filmmaking

    37:40 Artistic Practice and Longevity

    44:49 Funding and Challenges

    54:52 Advice for Young Artists

    58:04 Current Projects and Future Plans

    PS: We ran into a few technical issues during the recording of this episode, which means a small section of the conversation didn’t make it into the final cut and the audio isn’t perfect throughout. We appreciate your understanding.

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    NTS Radio: https://www.nts.live/ | https://www.instagram.com/nts_radio/ | @NTSLIVEUK

    Danish Art Foundation: https://www.kunst.dk/english/about-us | https://www.instagram.com/statenskunstfond/

     Thomas Foldberg: https://thomasfoldberg.dk/ | https://www.instagram.com/thomas_foldberg_studio/

    Lars Von Trier: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001885/ | https://www.instagram.com/larsvontrier_/

     Soft Baroque: https://softbaroque.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/soft_baroque/

     Anne Sofie Madsen: https://www.instagram.com/annesofiemadsenstudio/

    Carlsberg Foundation: https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/ | https://www.instagram.com/carlsbergfondet/ | @Carlsbergfondet1876

    Simon Starling: https://www.contemporaryartlibrary.org/artist/simon-starling-14184

    Den Frie: https://denfrie.dk/en/ | https://www.instagram.com/denfrie.cph/

    Holstebro Kunstmuseum: https://en.holstebrokunstmuseum.dk/ | https://www.instagram.com/holstebrokunstmuseum/


    The Installation Art Podcast is a show about people who love and work with the contemporary art medium of installation. The host Anastasia Parmson, an artist herself, interviews internationally renowned artists and arts workers about the intricacies and...

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Dead Fish, Shredded Cars and Wax: Inside the World of Petah Coyne
    Jul 15 2025

    Episode 32 features an unforgettable conversation with acclaimed New York-based sculptor and installation artist Petah Coyne. Known for her intricate, large-scale works crafted from an extraordinary range of materials – from dead fish and shredded trailers to wax, taxidermy, and black sand. Coyne’s career spans decades and her works are in major museum collections, including MoMA, the Whitney, the Met, and the Guggenheim.

    In this candid, in-depth interview, she shares not only her creative evolution and technical processes but also the personal stories, risks, and moments of doubt behind her monumental career.

    Key takeaways from this interview include:

    • The wild true story of how 5,000 dead fish played a role in launching her art career.

    • How Petah developed her own patented wax formula and the extreme logistics behind shipping large-scale works across the world.

    • A behind-the-scenes account of her first major institutional installation and the unexpected accident that helped get it reviewed by The New York Times.

    • Her perspective on rejection, persistence, and why she applied for grants every year for a decade before getting one.

    • Thoughtful reflections on time, mortality, and the pressure artists feel to keep creating.

    From poetic anecdotes to hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a successful and deeply generous artist whose work, like great literature, lingers long after the first encounter.


    03:52 The Dead Fish Prank

    07:36 Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

    14:40 How To Avoid School

    16:00 Moving to New York

    22:22 First Big Break and Installation Art

    41:34 The Importance of Archival Quality

    46:22 Finding and Working with Assistants

    48:53 Fragility and Tactility of Artworks

    51:09 The Stolen Sculpture Incident

    54:36 Selling Large Sculptures to Collectors

    01:07:04 Navigating the Art World

    01:09:52 The Importance of Feedback

    01:24:56 Funding Art Projects

    01:31:01 Experimenting with New Mediums

    01:37:43 Final Thoughts and Advice To Artists


    Petah Coyne is based in New York and is represented by Galerie Lelong & Co., New York: https://galerielelong.com/artists/11-petah-coyne/

    and Nunu Fine Art, Taiwan: https://www.nunufineart.com/petah-coyne

    You can find out more about her work on her website: https://www.petahcoyne.org/

    And follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petahcoyne


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    The Jealous Curator: https://thejealouscurator.substack.com/about | https://www.instagram.com/thejealouscurator/

    Art For Your Ear Podcast, interview with Petah Coyne: https://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2020/11/20/just-be-wonderful/

    Herron School of Art and Design: https://herron.indianapolis.iu.edu/

    Art Academy of Cincinnati: https://www.artacademy.edu/ |

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Bonus: Why This 2026 Venice Biennale Scandal Is Splitting the Art World – with Carrie Scott
    Jun 3 2025

    In this bonus episode of the Installation Art podcast, curator and art consultant Carrie Scott joins me to delve into the ongoing controversy surrounding the Venice Biennale Australian Pavilion.

    Together we discuss:

    • How artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were appointed to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale and then abruptly cancelled

    • The procedural, political, and social dimensions of the decision made by Creative Australia, its impact on the local and international art scene, and what it means for artistic freedom

    • How the Australian arts community is responding to the shock decision

    • Carrie shares her personal experiences and insights, offering a poignant perspective on the value of art that challenges and provokes.

    We also touch on recent tragic news that affects the Biennale more broadly and raises questions about who has the authority to decide what kind of art is “acceptable” or what art is about.

    05:02 The Australian Pavilion Controversy: An Overview

    06:51 Selection Process for the Australian Pavilion

    10:46 Creative Australia's Decision and Backlash

    12:10 Senate Hearing and Further Repercussions

    17:36 Personal Reflections on the Controversy

    38:40 National Pavilions and Curator's Theme

    39:09 Tragic Passing of Koyo Kouoh

    42:38 Journalist's Role and Agenda

    45:16 Art and Political Sensitivities

    48:14 Personal Reflections on 9/11

    53:16 Curatorial Challenges and Responses

    58:59 Speculations and Broader Implications

    Carrie Scott is a curator and art consultant based in London: https://www.carrie-scott.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/carriescottcurates/ 


    SEEN is a next-generation art consultancy, shining a light on the opaque world of galleries, auction houses and dealers: https://www.seen.art/ | https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart/ | @watchseenart

    📬 Got comments? Share your thoughts: SpeakPipe.com/InstallationArtPodcast

    Or DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast/


    If you want to help the Sabsabi-Dagostino project in Venice, go to this website: https://khaledsabsabi.com/support-the-venice-biennale-2026-exhibition-by-khaled-sabsabi-curated-by-michael-dagostino/

    Or purchase a unique artwork by Sabsabi to help raise funds: https://unvanishedsabsabi.myshopify.com/


    Khaled Sabsabi speaks: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-art-show/khaled-sabsabi-speaks/105050484

    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2025/apr/01/exclusive-khaled-sabsabi-speaks-on-the-damage-of-being-dumped-from-the-venice-biennale-full-story-podcast


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Khaled Sabsabi: https://khaledsabsabi.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/peacefender/

    Michael Dagostino: https://www.sydney.edu.au/museum/about-us/our-people.html

    Creative Australia: https://creative.gov.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/creative.australia/

    Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/ | @BiennaleChannel

    Adrian Collette:

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • What Every Artist Should Know About Public Art: Elizabeth Lewis from Tilt
    Apr 9 2025

    Try Descript: https://get.descript.com/s8kjemvu79fz

    In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Lewis, Public Art Division Manager at Tilt Industrial Design, who offers a fascinating insider's perspective on how large-scale public artworks are engineered, managed, and brought to life. Elizabeth reveals the complex ecosystem of stakeholders involved in creating public art and shares invaluable advice for artists looking to break into this challenging but rewarding medium.

    What you will learn:

    • How industrial designers like Elizabeth act as "translators" between artists' creative visions and the technical requirements needed to bring monumental works to life

    • The truth about public art budgets and practices

    • Practical advice for artists wanting to venture into public art, including starting with temporary installations and test sites

    • How indigenous artists are bringing multidisciplinary approaches to public art that may reshape the entire field

    About Elizabeth Lewis:

    Elizabeth Lewis is the Public Art Division Manager at Tilt Industrial Design, an Australian firm specialising in technically complex and ambitious public art projects. With a background in industrial design, she has overseen numerous large-scale installations throughout Australia, working with established artists, emerging creators, and First Nations storytellers to translate artistic visions into enduring public works.

    03:17 Early Life and Inspirations

    04:39 Educational Journey

    05:39 First Job Experiences

    08:01 Transition to Tilt

    14:58 Challenges in Public Art

    18:29 Skills and Learning

    33:50 Project Timelines

    35:55 The Lifespan of Public Art

    45:49 The Role of Public Art Curators

    48:01 Building Networks and Identifying Artists

    50:49 First Nations and Indigenous Art

    53:01 The Growth of Public Art in Sydney

    59:09 Convincing Developers to Invest in Art

    01:05:08 Advice for Emerging Public Artists

    01:24:53 Current and Upcoming Projects

    01:26:08 Where to Find More Information

    Tilt Industrial Design: https://tilt-industrialdesign.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/tiltindustrialdesign

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    ResMed: https://shop.resmed.com.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/resmedanz/ | @resmedanz5242

    BOC: https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/home | @boclimited

    Tim Phillips: https://tilt-industrialdesign.com/news-media/media/tilts-tim-phillips-managing-director-featured-in-boutique-developer/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timphillipsdesigns/

    Ateliers Jean Nouvel: https://www.jeannouvel.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ateliersjeannouvel/

    Yann Kersale: https://yannkersale.com/ |

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • From Vacuum-Packed Bodies to Seagull Hotels: Inside Lawrence Malstaf's Studio
    Mar 19 2025

    Leave a tip: https://donate.stripe.com/4gw4km4VpeUwdkkbIL

    Try Descript: https://get.descript.com/s8kjemvu79fz

    In this episode, we sit down with Belgian artist Lawrence Malstaf, whose innovative work exists at the fascinating intersection of visual art, performance, and theatrical experience. Based in Tromsø, Norway, Malstaf has earned international acclaim for his immersive installations that transform viewers into active participants.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Lawrence shares his journey from studying industrial design (rather than fine art at his parents' suggestion) to discovering how this technical background gave him invaluable skills in working with contemporary materials.

    • We discuss Malstaf’s famous vacuum piece "Shrink" (1995), where participants are sealed between plastic sheets while air is slowly removed, creating both a striking visual image and physical experience that differs dramatically for viewers versus participants.

    • His recent focus on sustainable art practices and an innovative project creating "hotels" for endangered kittiwake seagulls in Tromsø, transforming an urban nuisance into an interspecies art project.

    02:44 Quick Questions

    05:27 Childhood and Early Influences

    07:51 Industrial Design and Artistic Beginnings

    09:46 Theater and Installation Art

    16:41 Creating Opportunities and Multidisciplinary Spaces

    21:50 Sustainable Art and Seagull Project

    25:16 Audience Interaction and Physical Experience

    29:19 Behind The Scenes Challenges

    32:48 Artistic Evolution and Viral Fame

    38:22 Sustainable Art Practices

    41:48 Income From Art

    44:27 Proudest Moments and Career Reflections

    47:42 Advice for Emerging Artists

    49:44 Internship Opportunity

    51:48 Dream Projects

    58:46 Where to Find More Information


    Lawrence Malstaf (b. 1972, Bruges, Belgium) is based in Tromsø, Norway. He creates installation and performance art that exists at the borderline between visual arts and theatrical experience. With a focus on movement, coincidence, order and chaos, he develops immersive sensorial environments that often position visitors as co-actors in the artwork. His background in industrial design informs his technical approach to materials and mechanisms, while his experience in scenography for dance and theater influences the performative aspects of his installations.

    You can find out more about his work on his website: https://www.lawrencemalstaf.com/ and get the latest updates on his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencemalstaf/

    Malstaf is represented by Tallieu Art Office: https://www.artoffice.be/artists/lawrence-malstaf/

    All images courtesy of the artist.



    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Ischa Tallieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ischatallieu/?originalSubdomain=be

    Tailleu Art Office: https://www.artoffice.be/ | https://www.instagram.com/tallieu_art

    Bains Connective in Brussels:

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Natasha Johns Messenger on Site-Determined Installation and Public Art
    Feb 25 2025

    Episode 28 features an in-depth conversation with Australian-American artist Natasha Johns Messenger, renowned for her architectural interventions, site-determined work and public art commissions.

    Key insights from this interview include:

    • How her educational journey shifted her from figurative painting to abstraction and then installation art and filmmaking.

    • The distinct creative and logistical differences between public art and to museum installations.

    • Behind-the-scenes stories of unexpected technical issues and the importance of the right collaborators in her creative process.

    • The impact of her filmmaking studies on her artistic career and the dream projects she envisions for the future.

    00:00 Quick Fire Questions

    03:38 Early Artistic Influences

    07:23 Art School Journey

    12:48 First Exhibitions and Installations

    16:19 Expanding Horizons: New York and Beyond

    37:13 Public Art vs. Installation Art

    42:17 Public Perception of Art

    45:30 Challenges in Public Art Installations

    48:23 Unexpected Installation Issues

    55:10 Career Decisions and Filmmaking

    59:09 Significant Opportunities

    01:04:11 Dream Projects and Future Plans

    01:05:55 Meeting the Queen of Holland

    01:09:06 Current and Upcoming Projects

    01:15:15 Public Artworks to Visit

    Find out more about her work on her website: https://www.natashajohnsmessenger.com/ Follow her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashajohnsmessenger


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Robert Irwin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Irwin_(artist)

    RMIT: https://www.rmit.edu.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/rmituniversity/ | @rmit

    Gertrude Contemporary: https://gertrude.org.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/gertrudecontemporary/ 
Bala Starr: https://weareuntold.org/2024-women-of-gold/bala-starr

    Kate Shaw: https://www.kateshaw.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/kateshawart/

    Bus Projects: https://busprojects.org.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/busprojects/

    The Museum of Dirt: http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au/globe/issue9/mdtitle.html

    Max Delaney: https://www.instagram.com/maxdelany/

    Australian Centre for Contemporary Art: https://acca.melbourne/ | https://www.instagram.com/acca_melbourne/

    MCA: https://www.mca.com.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/mca_australia | @mcaaustralia

    Centre for Contemporary Photography: https://ccp.org.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/ccp_australia/

    ACP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Centre_for_Photography

    Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts: https://pica.org.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/pica_perth/

    International Studio & Curatorial Program: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-studio-&-curatorial-program-iscp-/ | https://www.instagram.com/iscp_nyc/

    Creative Australia (formerly Australia Council): https://creative.gov.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/creative.australia/

    Sara Reisman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-reisman/ | https://www.instagram.com/reismansara/

    Station Gallery: https://stationgallery.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/stationgalleryaustralia/

    A Streetcar Named Desire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire

    BAM: https://www.bam.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/bam_brooklyn | @BAMorg

    Cate Blanchett: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000949/ | https://www.instagram.com/cate_blanchettofficial/

    Bowness Photography Prize: https://maph.org.au/bowness-photography-prize/ https://www.instagram.com/maph_photography/

    Strange Engine: https://www.strangeengine.org/

    John Wardle Architect: https://wardle.studio/ |...

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Bonus: Lessons on Longevity and Legacy Inspired by Sandy Skoglund
    Feb 18 2025

    Leave a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/InstallationArtPodcast

    In this bonus episode, I recap my recent conversation with legendary artist Sandy Skoglund. Key topics include:

    • Sandy’s belief about needing a NYC loft to be a “real artist”
    • Her relentless pursuit of new skills like sculpting, bronze casting, and 3D modeling
    • The longevity of art and advocating for it after you’re gone

    The episode also explores Sandy's innovative approaches to storage issues and her strategies for making long-lasting, transportable art. Additionally, I share some personal challenges and inspirations gained from the interview, and tease insights available in the full conversation.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:31 Listener Feedback and Appreciation

    03:10 Challenges of Studio Spaces for Artists

    04:14 Sandy's Relentless Pursuit of New Skills

    10:24 Managing Storage and Donations

    13:01 Thoughts on Posthumous Legacy

    14:39 Material Challenges and Preservation

    18:38 Final Reflections and Call to Action



    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Episode 26: Exploring Unconventional Materials with Installation Art Pioneer Sandy Skoglund: https://installationartpodcast.com/sandy-skoglund-026

    Art For Your Ear Podcast, interview with Sandy Skoglund: https://thejealouscurator.libsyn.com/sandy-skoglund-believe-you-have-to-do-it

    On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sandy-skoglund-believe-you-have-to-do-it/id996338562?i=1000547949009

    The Jealous Curator: https://thejealouscurator.substack.com/about | https://www.instagram.com/thejealouscurator/

    Sandy Skoglund: https://www.sandyskoglund.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/sandyskoglundart/



    🔔 Hit subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening to never miss a new episode.

    📢 Follow us on social media:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast/

    Tiktok: @installationartpodcast

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@installationartpodcast


    📚 More information about the show and previous episodes: www.installationartpodcast.com

    Your host Anastasia Parmson: www.anastasiaparmson.art | https://www.instagram.com/anastasiaparmson.art/




    🗣️ Join the conversation in our Linkedin group The Installation Art Society, a space for conversations about installation art and a platform for practitioners to share insights, discuss technical aspects, and exchange behind-the-scenes stories:


    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14532340/

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    21 mins
  • Exploring Unconventional Materials with Installation Art Pioneer Sandy Skoglund
    Jan 28 2025

    Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/s8kjemvu79fz

    In this episode, host Anastasia welcomes legendary American installation artist Sandy Skoglund for a fascinating dialogue about her life's work, creative process, and the challenges she has faced.

    Key insights from this episode:

    • How some of her childhood experiences formed her perspective as an artist.

    • The genesis of her first major installation, “Radioactive Cats” and the evolution of her work from photography to sculpture.

    • The intricate process and materials involved in creating her installations, from found objects to experimental ephemeral media like Cheez Doodles and marmalade.

    • Challenges with material durability and unexpected issues like insect infestations in food-based art.

    • The importance of learning new skills from scratch to produce her projects.

    • Insightful anecdotes about storage, transportation, and installation of large-scale art pieces.

    Sandy also reflects on the financial and logistical aspects of sustaining a career in the arts. This episode is an inspiring look into the dedication, creativity, and adaptability required in contemporary installation art, from the perspective of a very influential artist.

    03:45 Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

    08:28 First Installations and Influences

    10:04 Radioactive Cats and Alternative Spaces

    12:34 Material Choices and Fresh Hybrid

    15:45 Challenges with Unusual Materials

    48:25 The Saw Incident in Manhattan

    49:33 Advice for Installation Artists

    50:34 Documenting and Installing Art

    51:46 Creating Walking On Eggshells

    57:25 Funding and Financial Aspects of Art

    01:00:29 Challenges and Rewards

    01:09:30 The Loft Scene and Working Spaces

    01:17:41 New Work and Upcoming Projects


    Sandy Skoglund is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. You can find out more about her work on her website sandyskoglund.com and on her Instagram http://instagram.com/sandyskoglundart/.

    She works with Holden Luntz Gallery: https://www.holdenluntz.com/artists/sandy-skoglund/


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    The Jealous Curator: https://thejealouscurator.substack.com/about | https://www.instagram.com/thejealouscurator/

    Art For Your Ear Podcast, interview with Sandy Skoglund: https://thejealouscurator.libsyn.com/sandy-skoglund-believe-you-have-to-do-it

    https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sandy-skoglund-believe-you-have-to-do-it/id996338562?i=1000547949009

    Howdy Doody: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howdy_Doody

    George Segal: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/segal-george/

    Edward Kienholz:

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    1 hr and 25 mins