In this fifth episode of the podcast series De Octopus, Roeliena Aukema speaks with artist Monika Dahlberg and curator Marjolein van de Ven about the translation of the artwork. This concerns the moment when an artwork is first shown to the outside world – and the decisions this initiates. Recorded at Stedelijk Museum Breda, the conversation touches on how a work is shaped by the space in which it is exhibited, and what role the audience plays in this context.

What happens to the artwork when it moves between the studio and the exhibition space between making and presenting? How do you deal with recognisable elements within the work? Monika and Marjolein share their perspectives on the interaction between artist, artwork and the context of presentation.

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In the conversation, Monika speaks about her practice as an artist and why she chooses not to have a fixed studio. She also explains how collaborations and residencies can bring added value to the artistic process.

Monika further elaborates on her participation in the Apprentice Master project at Kunstpodium T and how this eventually led to a residency at an art space within her home.

Marjolein discusses the exhibition Nachtvlucht by Pieter Laurens Mol and the public programme she developed to accompany it. She illustrates how a curator must consider all aspects of an artist’s process when curating an exhibition. The conversation also explores BIJ/NA, the annual residency programme for alumni of St. Joost School of Art and Design, of which Marjolein is one of the organisers.

Monika Dahlberg is an artist who creates collages and sculptures. In her work, she aims to raise awareness of the cultural expressions imposed upon us – for instance, by revealing how many images and representations in society are shaped by the same mould. She does this by referencing familiar elements from pop culture, such as sculpting Mickey Mouse ears, or painting African figures in white and gold.
At present, Monika is working on a large series of sculptures, which she describes as a ‘troop’ spreading across the world – just like the cultural codes they symbolise.

Marjolein van de Ven is curator of contemporary art at Stedelijk Museum Breda. She studied Industrial Design at TU Delft, but later shifted her focus to the visual arts. With a background as curator at various museums and arts organisations, she has also been involved in initiatives such as Kunstvlaai. In addition to her curatorial work, Marjolein is a writer and editor, contributing to platforms including the art magazine Tubelight.