Episodes

  • 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
  • Bonus: What Is Installation Art? A Brief History and Personal Perspective
    Jan 14 2025

    In this bonus episode of The Installation Art Podcast, host Anastasia Parmson delves into the question: “What is installation art?” through a personal lens.

    We explore the historical roots and evolution of the medium, significant artists and works, and discuss foundational concepts, such as site-specificity, scale and accumulation, and how those differentiate installation from other contemporary art mediums.

    We take a look at notable artists and their historic contributions, as well as some of the guests previously featured on the show. This episode offers examples and personal observations inviting listeners to share their own perspectives and experiences.

    00:00 Introduction and Listener Message

    01:53 Defining Installation Art: A Personal Interpretation

    02:50 Early Pioneers: Duchamp and Schwitters

    05:06 Mid-20th Century Innovations

    07:10 Assemblage and Accumulation

    08:45 Site Specificity and Scale

    17:15 Video and Multimedia Installations

    18:46 Public Art and Murals

    21:32 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Marcel Duchamp: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/duchamp-marcel/

    Bicycle wheel,1913

    Porte 11 Rue Larrey,1927

    1200 Coal Sacks,1938

    Air de Paris,1919

    Kurt Schwitters: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/schwitters-kurt/

    Merzbau, 1923-1937: https://www.tate.org.uk/research/tate-papers/08/kurt-schwitters-reconstructions-of-the-merzbau

    Joseph Beuys: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/beuys-joseph/

    Yves Klein: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/klein-yves/

    Le Vide, 1958: https://www.littleartnecdotes.com/le-vide-1958/

    Iris Clert Gallery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Clert_Gallery

    Arman: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/arman/

    Poubelles: https://www.armanstudio.com/artworks/poubelles

    Le Plein, 1960

    Daniel Spoerri: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/spoerri-daniel/

    Barry Le Va: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Le_Va

    Christo & Jeanne Claude: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/christo-and-jean-claude/

    Robert Smithson: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/smithson-robert/

    Installation Art: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6467162-installation-art?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jnQ7mtEYpb&rank=4

    Emma Fielden: https://www.emmafielden.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/emmafielden/

    Do Ho Suh: https://www.instagram.com/dohosuhstudio/

    Nika Neelova: https://www.nikaneelova.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/nikaneelova/?hl=en

    Korakrit Arunanondchai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korakrit_Arunanondchai | https://www.instagram.com/kritbangkok/?hl=en

    Pipilotti Rist: https://pipilottirist.net/ | https://www.instagram.com/pipilotti_rist_studio/

    Nicolas Rupcich: https://nicolasrupcich.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/rupcich/

    Barbara Kruger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Kruger

    Antony Gormley: https://www.antonygormley.com/

    Ai Weiwei: https://www.aiweiwei.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/aiww/

    Felix Gonzales Torres: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/gonzalez-torres-felix/

     Wolfgang Laib: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Laib

    Denes Farkas: https://denesfarkas.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/denes_k_farkas/

    Anne Patterson: https://www.annepatterson.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/annepattersonstudio/?hl=en

    Jason Peters: https://www.jasonpeters.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/jasonpetersart/

    Olga Lah: https://www.olgalah.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/olgalah_studio/

    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 behind-the-scenes stories of creating and

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    24 mins
  • Carving Success: Alex Seton on Marble, Art Logistics, and Career Advice
    Dec 24 2024

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

    In Episode 24, we delve into the artistic journey and career insights of acclaimed Australian artist Alex Seton. This fascinating conversation covers:

    • The logistics and insider info about creating large-scale marble sculptures and installations.

    • Alex's unique creative process, from childhood influences to professional milestones.

    • Insightful anecdotes about public art commissions and navigating institutional complexities.

    • Tips for emerging artists on studio space, residencies, and entering the commercial gallery scene.

    Tune in for an engaging blend of career advice, fun anecdotes, and practical experiences from a mid-career artist.

    02:43 Introduction and Work-Life Balance

    04:27 Early Life and Background

    08:13 Art Education and Career Beginnings

    21:52 Path To Professional Success

    30:22 Art and Mental Health Challenges

    42:22 Physical Toll of Sculpture

    47:43 Public Art Stories and Disasters

    55:23 The Australian Flag and War Memorial Commissions

    01:02:21 Logistics and Challenges of Heavy Sculptures

    01:08:24 Navigating Relationships With Galleries

    01:23:06 Residencies and Their Impact

    01:33:17 Sustainability in Sculpture

    01:40:16 Dream Project

    Alex Seton is based in Sydney. You can find out more about his work on his website http://www.alexseton.com/ and on his Instagram alexseton_

    He is represented by Sullivan+Strumpf gallery: https://www.sullivanstrumpf.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/sullivanstrumpf/


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Edna St Vincent Millay: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/edna-st-vincent-millay

    Abdel Nasser: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamal_Abdel_Nasser

    CSIRO: https://www.csiro.au/en/

    Walden by Thoreau: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden

    St Ignatius College: https://www.riverview.nsw.edu.au/ |

    NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art): https://www.nida.edu.au/

    UNSW Art & Design (formerly College of Fine Arts): https://www.unsw.edu.au/arts-design-architecture/our-schools/art-design | https://www.instagram.com/unsw/

    Brian O’Dwyer: https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Brian-O-dwyer/AAA0DDC26E101929

    Alexie Glass-Kantor: https://creative.gov.au/news/biographies/alexie-glass-kantor/ | https://www.instagram.com/alexieglass/

    Russell Storer:

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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • 404.zero: Crafting Generative Art through Code, Sound and Improvisation
    Dec 10 2024

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

    In episode 23 of The Installation Art Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant duo behind 404.zero, Kristina and Alex. Renowned for their groundbreaking work at the intersection of visuals, sound, and technology, 404.zero crafts mesmerizing large-scale installations and modular soundscapes that explore big philosophical questions around death, the unknown, and the cosmos.

    From self-taught programming to custom-built tools and hardware, 404.zero push the boundaries of what’s possible in audio-visual art. In our conversation, they share their journey, creative process, and insights into the challenges and joys of working on ambitious international projects.

    We also discuss:

    • Their successful venture into modular music production.

    • How the self-taught duo's use of modular synthesizers has redefined their approach to art-making.

    • From remote installations to visa issues, Kristina and Alex share some of the logistical hurdles they have been facing.

    • Their belief that installations should invite profound personal reflection and interaction.

    00:00 Introduction and Quick Questions

    01:24 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

    06:57 Meeting and Collaborating

    09:01 First Major Projects

    20:41 Innovative Installations and Techniques

    31:46 Installation in Unique Venues

    33:05 Creating Site-Specific Soundscapes

    34:11 Challenges and Outsourcing

    34:44 Audience Interaction and Impact

    48:00 Visa Issues and Future Aspirations


    404.zero’s work has been showcased at major festivals like Dark Mofo, MUTEK, GAMMA and more. Learn more about their projects on their website: https://www.404zero.com/ & check out the visuals on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@404zero and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/404.zero


    🎙️ Found value in this episode? Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


    🗣️ Have thoughts or questions? Leave us a voice message and it might be featured in a future episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/InstallationArtPodcast


    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Mariinsky Theater: https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/

    Multimedia Art Museum (MAMM): https://mamm-mdf.ru/en/

    Touchdesigner: https://derivative.ca/ | https://www.instagram.com/TouchDesigner/

    Moscow Planetarium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Planetarium

    Xology: https://www.xology.com/hardware-design

    Kinect tracking: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect

    Greenhouse Studios: https://www.greenhouse.is/ |

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    1 hr and 7 mins