What tasks did you perform during your internship?
– I was hired as part of MUNCH's newly established Audience Lab, and I worked closely with an interdisciplinary team to create technology-based experiences in the spirit of Edvard Munch. The development of the project Poison started in February. It is a sensual and interactive experience based on Edvard Munch's picture series The green room from 1907. I was involved in the process from the very beginning: from the brainstorming phase, to the development of specific prototypes, to user tests of the experience with internal and external participants. Poison consists of floor-to-ceiling projections, AI-generated images, motion sensors, lighting design and sound effects. The design process has been experimental and research-based, and the project includes important research for a doctoral degree in interaction design at the IT University in Copenhagen. My main tasks have been to create concept drawings and other visual material for user tests and prototypes, as well as to assist with the design of a virtual 3D room for the projections. The working days in Audience Lab have otherwise been characterised by a high consumption of Post-it notes, tape, extension cords and coffee. Poison will appear at MUNCH until 31 January, 2022.
How did you use skills you have acquired from your education at the Faculty of Humanities?
– In Screen Cultures, we study the impact of screens on people and society, and in the development of Poison I have worked on how to use digital technologies to create new art experiences in the museum. The project is based on theories in aesthetics (Screen Aesthetics), screen technology (Screen Technologies), and must be seen in connection with similar phenomena throughout history (Screen Histories and Theories). In the initial phase of the project, we had several creative workshops, where we collected references, research and other relevant material. The knowledge I have acquired in the study was very useful. The design and photography skills I acquired at bachelor level have naturally also come in handy in this kind of a project.
What do you think is or was the greatest benefit from your internship?
– It has been very educational to work in such an interdisciplinary environment. It is a dynamic and experimental way of working. Despite the pandemic and most employees working from home, I have built up an exciting network and met people from different departments at the museum. It is interesting to see how a large art institution works from the inside, and I feel especially lucky to have been allowed to wander around the new Munch Museum in the months before the grand opening. An incredible amount has happened at the same time. Because the design process has been so research-based, I have acquired knowledge that is relevant to my studies, further research and my own art projects.
Anything else you would like to add?
– I think many people tell themselves the same thing: I should have spoken up more often and not been afraid to say something stupid. I felt a little like that at first, but in the end it’s not really that bad. It’s a process and you usually get more confident after each time.
