In this first episode of the podcast series The Octopus, Nele Brökelmann speaks with artists An Onghena and Jorieke Rottier about the early stages of the artist’s ‘research process’.

For this conversation, they were guests at the studio of studio.kabinet in Deurne(Antwerp), where An Onghena and her colleague Freya Clijmans collaborate in design. The recording focuses on diving into the unknown, the initial spark of a process whose outcome is yet uncertain. How does one begin, and what methods come into play? How can a linear process still create space for experimentation in its own way, and what role do materials play?

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In this episode, Jorieke and An explore the different origins of their research processes. Jorieke compares two approaches she uses while continuously collecting materials. By bringing these into an exhibition space, combining and presenting them, a complete yet temporary artwork emerges as seen during the Aardenburg Biennale 2022 (documentation). Alternatively, materials are gathered on-site, allowing for a deeper engagement with the surroundings, such as during her residency at Luxfer Open Space in The Czech Republic (documentation). As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that for An, the leap into the unknown usually takes shape only after something has been produced. This is evident in her play with presentation itself (Bring out into the open), and her exploration of the form and status of the artist’s book in the performance Paraphrase. An also describes how scientific facts about the moon (The other side of the moon) and paper folding (performance for the book) become interconnected through her work. Both An and Jorieke continuously create new connections in their own unique ways. Toward the end, Jorieke recognises elements of her own practice – such as shading out a book – in An’s playful way of printing: The pencil won’t work.

An Onghena weaves her background as a graphic designer into her autonomous practice. She works with both analogue and digital methods of making and knowledge production. Elements such as paper are activated by performers, and viewers are invited to engage with a publication in a performative way – through both its arrangement and content. An investigates that which we cannot truly know, such as the infinite and elusive mass of the universe and the paradox of the colour, or non-colour, black. For An, black serves as a metaphor for the unknowable.

Jorieke Rottier’s practice is a continual leap into the unknown. Actions, impressions and experiences lead to the next step – and the next leap. Installations and presentations serve as snapshots of this ongoing process and can evolve into new forms even on the spot. Her work explores and plays with interior and exterior spaces that shape each other. Jorieke makes room in her process for contemplation and attentive presence, without the need to define, measure, or judge impressions, experiences or things. What matters is maintaining the possibility of focused attention.