The Installation Art Podcast

Anastasia Parmson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A new resource for all things installation art is here! Join host Anastasia Parmson – an artist herself — as she uncovers stories, challenges, and lessons from behind the scenes. The show brings you in-depth conversations with internationally renowned artists and arts professionals who have exhibited installation art on the global stage. In each episode, you will hear about the creative process and the personal journeys of these exceptional artists. We will gain insights into the unique joys and challenges; as well as the logistical and financial aspects of working with installation art. Join us every fortnight as we shine a light on this underserved field, helping artists feel less alone in their studios and providing a platform for community building and knowledge sharing. Subscribe to The Installation Art Podcast on your favourite podcast app and follow us on Instagram @installationartpodcast to stay updated and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Website: https://installationartpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/installationartsociety/

  1. What Installation Artists Need: Nicolas de Oliveira & Nicola Oxley

    FEB 3

    What Installation Artists Need: Nicolas de Oliveira & Nicola Oxley

    Get 15% off your .art domain name: https://get.art/?refdotart=art5044n9z17m promo code: ART5044N9Z17M Try Hostinger: https://hostinger.com?REFERRALCODE=INSTALLATIONART An extraordinary conversation with Nicolas de Oliveira and Nicola Oxley, the writer-curator duo who literally wrote the books on installation art and founded the Museum of Installation in London. For nearly 40 years, they've been chroniclers, producers, curators, and advocates for a medium that barely had a name when they first started. From publishing the definitive Installation Art books (1994, 2003) and commissioning hundreds of new works to building an extensive archive – Nicolas and Nicola have been at the coalface of installation art's evolution. In this wide-ranging discussion, they share what it was like convincing galleries that installation art even existed, why good documentation became their mission, and how they've sustained independent curatorial practice for four decades on "absolute shoestring budgets." Key insights from this episode: • How installation art emerged and why galleries insisted it was "just sculpture" • Coining the term "immersive" in their 2003 book (before it became ubiquitous) • Their philosophy of curating as co-production • The economics of independent spaces: how friendships sustain what funding cannot • Why they turned down a massive London space and turned to making books • The difference between installation art and the "entertainment industry" of immersive experiences • Advice for emerging artists: practice comes first, outcomes come later Nicolas de Oliveira and Nicola Oxley are based in London and run SE8 Gallery in Deptford. Their books Installation Art (1994) and Installation Art in the New Millennium (2003) remain foundational texts in the field. They publish artist books under their imprint Mulberry Tree Press and continue to curate exhibitions internationally while maintaining one of the most extensive archives of installation art documentation in the world. 00:26 Discovering Installation Art 01:50 Early Influences and Inspirations 06:24 Founding Unit 7 Gallery 07:30 The Role of Documentation 14:45 Museum of Installation 18:30 SE8 Gallery and International Projects 20:05 Challenges of Space and Real Estate 24:10 Curatorial Practices and Artist Relationships 36:09 Writing Process and Collaboration 43:02 Funding and Sustainability 47:06 Installation Art and the Art Market 01:05:08 Supporting Artists Through Time and Commitment 01:07:36 Advice for Emerging Installation Practitioners 01:17:58 Curating Shows in Different Countries 01:24:09 Documenting and Archiving Installations 01:43:44 Defining Installation Art and Its Future SE8 Gallery: https://se8.gallery/ | https://www.instagram.com/nicode.oliveira?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Installation Art (1996): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12208566-installation-art Installation Art in the New Millennium (2003): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1972215.Installation_Art_in_the_New_Millennium Our interview with Hans op de Beeck: https://installationartpodcast.com/hans-op-de-beeck-018 Bonus episode: What is Installation Art: a...

    2h 2m
  2. 30,000 Flowers and Lives Changed – Zadok Ben-David on Installation Art at Scale

    JAN 6

    30,000 Flowers and Lives Changed – Zadok Ben-David on Installation Art at Scale

    Try Descript: https://get.descript.com/s8kjemvu79fz An in-depth conversation with award-winning sculptor and installation artist Zadok Ben-David, whose practice spans delicate miniature work to large-scale public installations. From his early beginnings in Yemen and Israel to representing his country at the Venice Biennale, Zadok shares the philosophical and practical journey behind his internationally acclaimed work. Discover how he transforms metal into poetic metaphors exploring human nature, evolution, and our relationship with the natural world (and how one installation changed a stranger's life forever). Key insights from this episode: • The path from abstract expressionism at St Martin's School of Art to creating massive figurative installations • How 30,000 hand-painted flowers became one of the world's most travelled installations and the team of assistants who helped create them • Behind the scenes of installing work across five continents, from prisoners in Germany to 70 assistants in Uzbekistan • The commercial strategy that funds large-scale installations through smaller original works • Why Zadok turned down a $1 million public art commission to maintain artistic integrity • The profound moment when his Blackfield installation helped a Holocaust survivor find hope again Zadok Ben-David is based in London and Portugal. You can find out more about his work on his website https://www.zadokbendavid.com/ and follow him on Instagram @zadokstudio https://www.instagram.com/zadokstudio/ Exhibition “FLOWERS. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence” in Rome until 22 February 2026: https://www.chiostrodelbramante.it/post_mostra/flowers-flowers-art/ 03:27 Work-Life Balance Insights 06:15 Journey to Art and Family Influence 09:17 Art School Challenges and Triumphs 10:19 Moving to London and Early Struggles 15:15 Discovering Sculpture and Teaching 21:06 First Installations 25:17 Animal Metaphors in Art 34:25 Global Exhibitions and Unique Experiences 38:23 Commercial Aspects of Art 40:33 People I Saw, But Never Met 44:58 Art Installations Around the World 48:58 The Other Side of Midnight 54:44 Challenges in Art Installations 01:04:37 The Healing Power of Art 01:11:40 Upcoming Exhibitions and Contact Information Also mentioned in this episode: Anish Kapoor: https://anishkapoor.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/dirty_corner/ Jerusalem Art Academy: https://www.bezalel.ac.il/en | https://www.instagram.com/bezalel_academy | @bezalelacademyofartanddesi1460 University of Reading: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ | https://www.instagram.com/uniofreading/ | @UniofReading Chelsea College of Arts: a href="https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 17m
  3. Bonus: How to Do Residencies – And Other Big Questions for Installation Artists

    12/23/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus: How to Do Residencies – And Other Big Questions for Installation Artists

    Subscribe to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://installationartpodcast.com/subscribe In this bonus episode, host Anastasia Parmson explores what it really means to approach residencies as an installation artist. Beyond the logistics of time, space, and materials, we dive into bigger questions that shape the medium: • How to make large-scale, site-specific work in short timeframes and unfamiliar contexts? • What happens when you choose temporary or fragile materials instead of archival ones? • Is the value of installation art in the object, the process or the audience experience? • Could installation art be considered disposable or should we always aim for permanence? Drawing from a recent experimental residency at DRAW Space in Sydney, Anastasia reflects on the challenges of working fast, improvising with cardboard and collaborating with others. But more importantly, you’ll be invited to consider your own approach to residencies, materials, and the long-term value of installation art. Whether you’re an installation artist or simply curious about how these questions play out in practice, this episode offers insights and provocations designed to spark discussion. 00:00 Introduction and Listener Review 01:54 Invitation to Draw Space Residency 03:47 Challenges and Initial Thoughts 06:10 Execution and Community Involvement 08:21 Building the Installation 12:01 Final Touches and Open Day 15:43 Reflections on the Experiment 24:49 Conclusion and Future Plans Did this episode raise questions or spark ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, stories, or residency experiences: • Leave a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/installationartpodcast • Send a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast/ • Use the contact form: https://installationartpodcast.com/contact Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/installationartpodcast Also mentioned in this epsisode: DRAW Space: https://drawspace.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/drawspacesydney Mentioned in this episode: Get your .art domain name https://get.art/?refdotart=art5044n9z17m promo code: ART5044N9Z17M

    32 min
  4. Uffe Isolotto on World-Building, Collaboration and Venice Biennale

    12/09/2025

    Uffe Isolotto on World-Building, Collaboration and Venice Biennale

    Get 15% off your .art domain name: https://get.art/?refdotart=art5044n9z17m promo code: ART5044N9Z17M Great deals from web host Hostinger: https://www.hostinger.com/referral?REFERRALCODE=INSTALLATIONART 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 behind-the-scenes stories of creating and...

    1h 9m
  5. Dead Fish, Shredded Cars and Wax: Inside the World of Petah Coyne

    07/15/2025

    Dead Fish, Shredded Cars and Wax: Inside the World of Petah Coyne

    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/ | a href="https://www.instagram.com/artacademyofcincinnati/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 41m
  6. Bonus: Why This 2026 Venice Biennale Scandal Is Splitting the Art World – with Carrie Scott

    06/03/2025

    Bonus: Why This 2026 Venice Biennale Scandal Is Splitting the Art World – with Carrie Scott

    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: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-collette-31a192ba/?originalSubdomain=au" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 5m
  7. What Every Artist Should Know About Public Art: Elizabeth Lewis from Tilt

    04/09/2025

    What Every Artist Should Know About Public Art: Elizabeth Lewis from Tilt

    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/ | a href="https://www.instagram.com/yannkersale/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 30m
  8. From Vacuum-Packed Bodies to Seagull Hotels: Inside Lawrence Malstaf's Studio

    03/19/2025

    From Vacuum-Packed Bodies to Seagull Hotels: Inside Lawrence Malstaf's Studio

    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: a href="https://www.artfactories.net/Les-Bains-Connective-Bruxelles.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 3m
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About

A new resource for all things installation art is here! Join host Anastasia Parmson – an artist herself — as she uncovers stories, challenges, and lessons from behind the scenes. The show brings you in-depth conversations with internationally renowned artists and arts professionals who have exhibited installation art on the global stage. In each episode, you will hear about the creative process and the personal journeys of these exceptional artists. We will gain insights into the unique joys and challenges; as well as the logistical and financial aspects of working with installation art. Join us every fortnight as we shine a light on this underserved field, helping artists feel less alone in their studios and providing a platform for community building and knowledge sharing. Subscribe to The Installation Art Podcast on your favourite podcast app and follow us on Instagram @installationartpodcast to stay updated and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Website: https://installationartpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/installationartsociety/

Information

  • Creator
    Anastasia Parmson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Anastasia Parmson
  • Show Website
    The Installation Art Podcast

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