Internship as an artist assistant

nternship — Artist Assistant (Studio Apelbaum, Berlin)

Introduction

Studio Apelbaum (in collaboration with Analogdream e.V.), based between Berlin Prenzlauer Berg and Lichtenberg, and led by Jonathan Apelbaum, explores gender, sexuality, and intimacy through oil painting expanded into immersive, interactive environments.

The studio develops cognitive painting — oil paintings that respond dynamically to light, movement, and sound through custom-built LED systems and software. These works merge traditional painting with electronics, AI-based interaction, performance, and sound design.

Working across disciplines, the studio brings together painters, engineers, performers, and coders to create large-scale installations, exhibitions, and performances. It functions as both a production space and a collaborative platform for experimentation and exchange.

Main Focus of the Internship

The internship is centered on the production of cognitive paintings and the preparation of the exhibition:

I Want You to Love Me More

Berlin Art Week 2026

• Preview Dinner (invited guests): September 8, 2026
• Public Opening: September 9, 2026
• Exhibition: September 9–13, 2026

The core of this internship is hands-on technical production.

You will spend a significant part of your time working directly on the construction of the artworks:

• Soldering LEDs
• Assembling LED panels
• Wiring and testing electronic systems
• Integrating light systems into the paintings
• Assembling and testing the cognitive paintings as complete systems

This work is precise, repetitive, and detail-oriented, requiring patience, focus, and care.

Artist Coordination & Exhibition Production

In addition to the technical work, you will take an active role in coordinating the exhibition.

For this show, we are bringing together around ten invited visual artists alongside the studio’s work. This requires continuous communication and organization.

You will be involved in:

• Communicating directly with participating artists
• Coordinating artwork deliveries and pickups
• Ensuring artworks arrive on time and at the correct location
• Tracking where each artwork is at all times
• Assisting with installation and placement of works in the space
• Maintaining ongoing dialogue with artists before and during the exhibition

This role requires organization, clarity, and responsibility, as you will help ensure the exhibition runs smoothly across multiple contributors.

After Production

Following the production phase, you will also:

• Assist with exhibition installation and setup
• Support logistics (packing, transport, coordination)
• Be present during the final realization of the show

At the center of the exhibition is a monumental triptych (6.60 meters wide), composed of layered oil paintings that reveal hidden portraits through light and movement. The works are accompanied by an immersive sound installation, forming a responsive environment where painting, technology, and human presence interact.

This exhibition will be the central working project of the internship.

Tasks

• Build and assemble cognitive paintings and LED systems (wood, metal, electronics)
• Assist in the development and realization of exhibitions and commissions
• Support research and prototyping of new works
• Organize exhibition logistics (packing, transport, installation)
• Manage shipping lists, cost estimates, and customs documentation
• Communicate with galleries, institutions, and collaborators
• Contribute to catalogues and presentation materials
• Assist in managing multiple ongoing projects
• Occasionally travel as a courier for exhibitions

• Strong hands-on mindset and practical skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Interest in contemporary art, installation, or performance
• Curiosity for interdisciplinary work (art, technology, production)
• Reliability, flexibility, and organizational awareness

Experience working with wood, metal, painting, and electronicsInsight into producing large-scale contemporary art exhibitionsDirect involvement in an interdisciplinary artistic practiceAccess to a network of artists, curators, and collaboratorsA dynamic and social studio environment (shared meals, events, performances)

Conditions

• Duration: 6 months
• Format: Part-time
• Compensation: Unpaid

This structure allows time for parallel work while offering meaningful responsibility and involvement.

We are also interested in long-term collaborations beyond the internship.

Please send:

• A MOTIVATIO N LETTER (MOST IMPORTANT)
• Your CV and/or portfolio (if available)