IPIHAN (NL) & Maruša Štibelj (SI)

If Paradise Is Half As Nice (IPIHAN) is an artist initiated project that leaves behind the comforts of a traditional artists’ studio to instead pursue the creation of artworks by finding and using abandoned buildings as sites for artistic production. After an abandoned building is found, in less than four weeks, the collective of artists make their artworks onsite that culminates in an exhibition that is presented to the wider public. In this short time, each artist must find their own way to utilise the available materials and space to conceive and execute their artwork. Inevitably, the artworks that they produced are embedded with specific history and dynamics of decay that is unique to each project location.

The limited time frame serves to accelerate the exchange of ideas and consequently leads to unexpected and innovative solutions in the conception and execution of our artworks. Each project is undertaken with a spirit of camaraderie and shared desire to stage a final exhibition that is to be celebrated at a closing event.