Species of Spaces and Other Pieces

With Dreams of Spaces, the KinderKunstLabor symbolically opened its doors for the first time from September 13 to October 1, 2023 – even before the new exhibition building was completed. Curated by Mona Jas, the exhibition took place in the historic Benedikt-Haus, one of the oldest Baroque buildings in St. Pölten, and, together with accompanying artistic mediation formats, offered a multifaceted insight into the working methods of the KinderKunstLabor. It showcased contemporary art positions developed in close dialogue with the ideas and perspectives of children.

The combination of sound and tactile installations, images, and sculptures engaged multiple senses, transforming the space into an inspiring sensory journey, enhanced by warm, targeted lighting. Visitors of all ages could draw in the exhibition space, touch works with cotton gloves, experiment with flashlights, explore new perspectives through magnifying glasses, lie down and listen, exchange ideas – or simply observe. All works were intentionally displayed at a low height or on low pedestals, providing ideal access even for small children.

The exhibition title refers to a publication by French author Georges Perec, whose work Espèces d’espaces opens up a poetic range of spatial experiences – from everyday observations to imaginary and uninhabitable spaces. His text encourages a fresh look at familiar spaces and reflection on them in unexpected contexts. These ideas particularly inspired the exhibition’s focus on the core themes of the KinderKunstLabor: space and language as well as dreams and stories. The exhibition also explored utopian spaces and the question of whether children today still have time to dream.

Works by Christian Boltanski, Daniela Brasil, CollColl, Jimmie Durham, Peter Fritzenwallner, Christine and Irene Hohenbüchler, Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, Mars + Blum, Andrea Maurer, mischer’traxler, Munira Mohamud, Ulrike Müller, Rivane Neuenschwander, Philippe Parreno, Laure Prouvost, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, Christine Schwaiger, Jakub Szczęsny, Walter Weber, and Diana Schittengruber were presented.

Curated by Mona Jas in dialogue with children from the Art Ideas Workshop and the Children’s Advisory Board classes.