Intervals: Creative responses to space with Johan F. Karlsson

MAY 31, 202516 MIN
Creating New Spaces: Interviews with artists redefining spaces through technology

Intervals: Creative responses to space with Johan F. Karlsson

MAY 31, 202516 MIN

Description

<p>In this podcast, you’ll learn how Johan F. Karlsson uses observation, intuition, and the concept of <em>ma</em> to shape site-specific installations that reveal subtle changes in space and time.</p><p>In this interview, Johan F. Karlsson explores the creative process behind <em>Against the Day</em>. <em>Against the Day</em> is a dual-channel video installation that surrounds audiences with a streak of sunlight and its recorded echo, revealing how time and perception unfold through subtle spatial shifts. The installation is part of the exhibition <em>Forever Is Nothing</em>, developed during Johan’s residency at Space Department—a Japanese artist residency house focused on architecture and context-based practice.</p><p>Johan F. Karlsson is a Swedish artist whose work investigates time, space, and ephemeral processes. His practice spans video, performance, photography, and sculpture. He holds an MA in Photography from Aalto University and a BA in Culture and Arts from Novia University of Applied Sciences.</p><p>Listen to this podcast to learn about:</p><ul><li>How the concept of <em>ma</em> guided a process of waiting, noticing, and responding</li></ul><ul><li>How intuition and site-specific observation replace fixed planning in creative workflows</li></ul><ul><li>How time becomes both material and subject in durational video installation</li></ul><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>(00:00:00) Introduction and acknowledgements</p><p>(00:00:38) Exploring the concept of &#39;<em>ma</em>&#39;</p><p>(00:01:21) Artistic process and residency experience</p><p>(00:02:43) Creating &#39;Against the day&#39;</p><p>(00:04:37) Creating &#39;The space that remains&#39;</p><p>(00:07:53) Reflections on artistic practice</p><p>(00:15:07) Advice for aspiring artists</p><p>(00:16:15) Conclusion and farewell</p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Johan F. Karlsson</strong></p><p>Johan F. Karlsson is a Malmö-based artist whose work spans photography, video, performance, and sculptural installations using natural materials. With an MA in Photography from Aalto University and a BA in Culture and Arts from Novia University, his practice explores time, space, and perception through slow, ephemeral processes. Drawing on site-specific phenomena and the transience of materials, Johan&#39;s work invites viewers into a deeper connection with the rhythms of nature and the passage of time. His installations often examine how change and duration shape human experience.</p><p><strong>Links from the podcast with Johan F. Karlsson</strong></p><ul><li>Visit<a href="https://www.johanfkarl.com/"> <u>Johan F. Karlsson’s website</u></a></li><li>Visit the<a href="https://www.spacedepartment.jp/"> <u>Space Department website</u></a></li><li>Read Robin’s reflection on exhibiting at Space Department –<a href="https://otheredge.com.au/journal/house-shows-reflections-on-space-and-interaction/"> <em>House shows: Reflections on space and interaction</em></a></li><li>Learn more about<a href="https://www.johanfkarl.com/againsttheday"> <em>Against the Day</em></a></li><li>Learn more about<a href="https://www.johanfkarl.com/thespacethatremains"> <em>The Space That Remains</em></a></li></ul>