THE SENSORIUM
Photo: Atis Jakobsons
The Sensorium utilizes everyday objects to discover elaborate fields of play and congress. Introductory levels of this work explores the non-erogenous nature of interpersonal contact, collective creativity, and relaxing in the company of others. The fundament is the giving and receiving of positive attention, communicating our wishes and boundaries, and having those requests enacted.
Sessions are aimed at broadening creativity and sensual contact to the material world. Each session is built around the wishes and needs of the group. A central aspect of this practice is touch, but, the work may also be grounded in elements like a change in temperature, aroma, aural sensation, and speech.
Common objects included in a Sensorium are: food (fresh fruits and vegetables, dry legumes, chocolate, salt, and other spices), the human voice (live singing and musical instruments), textiles of all kinds, cooking utensils, jewelry, clothespins, feathered objects, books, all kinds of sports equipment, wood, flowers, metal, (new) paintbrushes, etc. Places to find sensorial tools: hardware stores, grocery stores, your closet, your basement, the woods, auto repair shops, etc. Please bring a hidden selection of items for possible use.
Sessions are aimed at broadening creativity and sensual contact to the material world. Each session is built around the wishes and needs of the group. A central aspect of this practice is touch, but, the work may also be grounded in elements like a change in temperature, aroma, aural sensation, and speech.
Common objects included in a Sensorium are: food (fresh fruits and vegetables, dry legumes, chocolate, salt, and other spices), the human voice (live singing and musical instruments), textiles of all kinds, cooking utensils, jewelry, clothespins, feathered objects, books, all kinds of sports equipment, wood, flowers, metal, (new) paintbrushes, etc. Places to find sensorial tools: hardware stores, grocery stores, your closet, your basement, the woods, auto repair shops, etc. Please bring a hidden selection of items for possible use.
Spicy Tobacco, 2019, Sensorium featuring Isabella Lewandowski & Melissa Steckbauer, The Sensorium Institute, Berlin.
The Sonancy of Falling and Standing Repeatedly, 2018, Galerie im Turm, Berlin. Solo exhibition by Melissa Steckbauer, curated by Sylvia Sadzinski. Documentation: Therese Koppe
The Sonancy of Falling and Standing Repeatedly, installation views. Photos: Eric Tschernow
Mending and Bending Remedies Beneath the Palm Tree, 2015, Part of Vienna Art Week — Studio Visits, Palme13, Vienna. Paul Philipp Heinze, Linards Kulless, Christoph Mühlau, Janne Schäfer / J&K, Melissa Steckbauer & Magda Tothova. Photos: Gerald Kerkletz & Fritz Ofner.
Survival Kit, 2016, Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, Riga, Latvia. With Paul Philipp Heinze, Linards Kulless, Christoph Mühlau, Janne Schäfer & Kristine Agergaard / J&K, Melissa Steckbauer, Magda Tothova, & Suse Wächte. Photos: Atis Jakobsons and Arnis Kalniņš.
For the price of a Sensorium, please send an email.
