Perfection / Speculation at PRAKSIS

PRAKSIS residencies are intensive and structured around the interests and needs of their participants. The particular form that each residency takes is developed collectively through discussion once the group comes together. At the start of the residency, group members are encouraged to share their reasons for applying and what they hope to get out of their time with PRAKSIS. Early in the residency each participant is expected to give a brief introduction to their practice. Self-led activity will be supplemented by collective activity including, but not limited to visits, meals, discussions and a series of public events that aim to further group research and practice while opening dialogues to wider publics.

Residency 18: Perfection / Speculation proposes a multi-disciplinary investigation of the meanings and ethics of genetic technologies. This residency is informed by Adam Peacock’s Genetics Gym project, developed while he was Designer-in-Residence at London College of Fashion’s Fashion Space Gallery. Applications are invited from investigators whose focus is on the modifiable human body as a medium of expression, experimentation, research and social interaction. Artists, designers, scientists, writers, psychologists, programmers, film- and video-makers, anthropologists and others based in Oslo, across Norway or internationally, are all welcome to apply. They are looking for talented individuals with distinctive approaches to the residency topic, whatever their specialism. It is intended that the final selection will reflect the scientific as well as the social and cultural dimensions of the area in focus.

Perfection / Speculation will connect with body cultures of the past, present and future. It is supported by a dynamic relationship between its two residency partners: the Vigeland Museum and queer live events co-ordinators Karmaklubb*. The project will revisit the work of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) to investigate past and future constructions of gender, race, sexuality, age, body politics, and the notion of the ideal human. Building on Karmaklubb*’s agendas, it aims to probe the social and digital cultures arising from discussions and practices around genetics and the body, and to establish a hub within global conversations about future impacts of design technologies on our bodies. Perfection / Speculation will feature events developed with the residency partners, a multi-faceted approach to research and project development, and the possibility of a concluding public event showcasing diverse residency outcomes. Events will include a very nice post-talk party arranged by Karmaklubb*.

The residency understands that this topic can be approached both as a hard science or as an expressive narrative; and so is looking for talented individuals with a distinctive approach to the topic. The output might be; experimental sounds, manipulated imagery, diagrammatic output, scientific research, cultural research/papers, creative writing, digital human body design, CGI, or a format still to be defined. Applications are welcomed from artists, as well as practitioners or theorists in other areas whose interests and experience are relevant to the residency’s theme. Selected residents will be part of a temporary community of between five and eight local and international participants. The residency will involve group activities, discussion and creative exchange around the residency theme, as well as time for independent working. Selection is based on applicants’ ability both to gain from, and contribute to, the activities of the month-long residency. PRAKSIS aims to provide an environment for development and professional growth: applications are welcome from practitioners of differing ages and experience levels.

This residency is free of charge and offers comfortable accommodation for non-Oslo based residents in central Oslo. Local residents will continue to live at their usual address. The residency community will regularly come together at the residency studio space, and at organised events and meals. International participants receive a stipend of 3000 NOK (approximately 300 euros) towards additional costs. Weekly meals encourage for discussion, debate and friendship. On weekdays PRAKSIS will provide lunch at the working space. Dinners for all residents with invited guests will be held weekly.

Oslo has a vibrant and adventurous arts landscape. PRAKSIS will provide residents with information and links to the city’s cultural scene, informing them about exhibitions, talks, performances and other events. PRAKSIS seeks wherever possible to connect participants with relevant organisations and individuals in Oslo. PRAKSIS residencies aims to introduce the residency community to Oslo creatives in various spheres including among others: curators, writers, and artists.

To apply, please submit the following documents, with deadline 9th March 2020:

• A completed application form. You are kindly requested to send a PDF version of the application.
• Recent CV/resume.
• Portfolio (only one PDF file). Up to 5 images. The images should include captions or short descriptions. For videos/films, please provide links to your own website, Vimeo page, YouTube page, etc. Do not attach actual video files.

Please submit only electronic copies of the above in ONE email under 5 MB to: [email protected]. In the subject line of your email, please write your name and country of residence per the following order: Last Name, First Name, Country.

There is an application fee of 75 NOK. This goes entirely towards covering part of the administration costs associated with the open call.