BEHIND YOUR MASK

An Interactive Art Exhibition About Mental Health


Video from the exhibition Behind Your Mask,
pōk Collective & Juno Wela
Kraftwerk Zürich, 
September 2022.
The first edition of an interactive art therapy exhibition series, at the intersection of clinical psychiatry and contemporary art practice. 




ART THERAPY EXHIBITION 
150+ VISITORS
10 ARTWORKS BY PŌK COLLECTIVE

MY ROLE
Co-founder of the concept, Production, Curation & Event Host 

LOCATION
14.10.2022, Kraftwerk Zürich, Switzerland

INTERACTIVE ARTWORKS?

The exhibition "Behind Your Mask" explored the facets of our daily modes of operating and what lies beneath them. The vernissage encompassecd a dance performance, a panel discussion and instructions for visitors to paint on canvases to reveal hidden artworks. 

This was the first edition, initiated, conceptualized, and produced by  & Juno Wela.






This vernissage featured performances by dance group Les Papillons and a panel discussion with art therapist Dr. Nicole Ottiger from Living Museum Wil, anonymous artists from pōk, and members of the activism collective Madnesst. The works were also displayed online, with ten pieces shown as NFTs. The digital exhibition space was provided by rooom as part of Impact Hub's 'Hybrid Vernissage' series.



ARTISTIC PROCESS

The technique developed by pōk uses diluted clay residue poured over prepared canvases, revealing initially invisible motifs slowly over time. The so called "spills" make it possible for visitors to become part of the artistic process. Moreover, the frames are made from reusable materials to ensure a sustainable production process.

The goal of this approach is to make the artistic process more accessible and to provide practical conversation starters within an interactive exhibition space.


PROGRAM

The program was aimed to feel Intuitive and inclusive. All program points were experience oriented, inviting visitors to engage with art therapy.

  1. Dance Performance (visual)
    by Les Papillons

  2. Painting Canvases (tangible) 
    Spills technique by Living Museum Collective pōk

  3. Panel Discussion (intellectual) 
    “Masks of Everyday Life” with Dr. Nicole Ottiger, an anonymous artists from pōk, Simone Fasnacht, Rafael Sanchez and Juno Wela.  
OUTCOME

Wanting to spark real conversations and move art beyond the conventional white-cube atmosphere, we created an interactive framework of artistic practice, dance performances, and panel discussions that encouraged visitors to practically engage with art rather than simply observe it.

150+ visitors
Displayed 10 large-scale canvases by the pōk collective
Successful implementation of an interactive framework at the event
Built analog and digital infrastructures for future editions.