Can Art Help You Make Friends? Discover Mischa Kuball's Space Relations!

This article provides an overview of the closing exhibition "How to Make Friends" at Weltkunstzimmer Düsseldorf, which culminates the year-long project space_relations, exploring the interdependencies between urban space and artistic practices. This engaging exhibition brings together over 30 artists and cultural practitioners to reflect on collaborative models and shared authorship in art.

Last updated: 17 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The exhibition "How to Make Friends" is the final chapter of the year-long project space_relations.
• More than 30 artists and theorists participated in this collaborative initiative.
• The project explores the relationship between urban space, society, and artistic expression.
• A series of events accompany the exhibition, including talks and workshops.
• Weltkunstzimmer Düsseldorf serves as a hub for innovative artistic practices and community engagement.

Introduction to space_relations

In a rapidly evolving urban landscape, the intersection of art and community has become increasingly significant. The project space_relations, hosted at the Weltkunstzimmer in Düsseldorf, has explored these intersections throughout 2025. With its closing exhibition "How to Make Friends," the initiative encapsulates a year of experimentation and dialogue among artists, theorists, and the public.

The Concept Behind space_relations

space_relations was conceived as an open laboratory, fostering collaboration and shared authorship among diverse participants. The conceptual team, which includes renowned figures from cities around the globe, aimed to challenge traditional notions of artistic practice and highlight the importance of relational spaces. This project has been instrumental in creating new networks and facilitating international exchanges within the art community.

Artistic Collaboration and Interdependency

As cities continue to grow and change, understanding the dynamics of urban space is crucial. The project focused on how shared spaces can foster encounters and collaborations, redefining public and institutional spaces through artistic strategies. The exhibition "How to Make Friends" seeks to address these questions and inspire visitors to engage with the concept of togetherness.

How to Make Friends: Exhibition Overview

The exhibition "How to Make Friends" is not merely a display of art; it is an invitation to engage and reflect on the nature of collaboration. It assembles works and interventions from a diverse group of artists who have explored the concept of space as a relational practice.

Participating Artists

The exhibition features a compelling lineup of artists, each contributing unique perspectives on the theme of friendship and collaboration. Notable participants include:

• Elvire Bonduelle
• Rada Boukova
• Bidisha Das
• Daniela Georgieva
• Wanda Koller
• Robin Meier Wiratunga
• David JongSung Myung
• Daria Nazarenko & Moïse Fall
• Yoshinari Nishiki
• Denise Ritter
• Mohamad Moe Sabbah
• Katja Stuke & Oliver Sieber
• Luca Thiel
• Louretta & Dr. Schmitt

Engagement and Reflection

The exhibition encourages visitors to actively participate and reflect on the forms of togetherness that can be created both within and beyond institutional walls. By engaging with various artworks and interventions, attendees can explore how collaborative practices can be integrated into daily life, enhancing community bonds and social interactions.

Accompanying Programme of Events

To further the collaborative spirit established by space_relations, a series of events will accompany the exhibition. These include guided tours, talks, and workshops designed to deepen visitors' understanding of the themes presented.

Event Schedule

The following key events are scheduled at Weltkunstzimmer:

1. September 17, 2025, 8pm — Opening of space_relations: How to Make Friends
2. September 19, 2025, 4:30pm — space_relations x Urban Space Theory Walk
3. September 28, 2025, 4pm — Guided tour of the exhibition with Mischa Kuball
4. October 10, 2025, 8:30–10am — space_relations x CreativeMornings with Philipp Holstein and Mischa Kuball on space relations
5. October 15, 2025, 7pm — space_relations x WELTKUNSTZIMMER Residency, Opening of the residency presentation
6. October 16–17, 2025 — space_relations x if walls could tell, International Symposium curated by Zoran Eric, Belgrade, with a Keynote by Blanca de la Torre, Valencia

Conclusion: The Importance of Art in Building Connections

The exhibition "How to Make Friends" is a fitting conclusion to the space_relations project, highlighting the role of art in fostering connections and understanding within urban environments. As participants and visitors engage with the artworks and discussions, they contribute to a broader dialogue about how artistic practices can redefine our relationship with space and community.

In a world that often feels divided, initiatives like these remind us of the power of collaboration and shared experiences. As we look towards the future, how can we continue to create spaces that encourage connection and dialogue among diverse communities? #ArtInCommunity #SpaceRelations #CollaborationInArt

FAQs

What is the purpose of the exhibition "How to Make Friends"?

The exhibition aims to explore and celebrate collaborative practices in art, inviting visitors to engage with the concept of shared spaces and the relationships they foster.

Who are the participating artists in the exhibition?

More than 30 artists are participating, including Elvire Bonduelle, Rada Boukova, and Bidisha Das, among others, each offering unique perspectives on collaboration and friendship.

What events are scheduled alongside the exhibition?

The exhibition will feature a variety of events, including guided tours, talks, and workshops that continue the collaborative narrative established by the project throughout the year.

Where is Weltkunstzimmer located?

Weltkunstzimmer is located at Ronsdorfer Str. 77a, Düsseldorf, providing a welcoming space for art and community engagement.

When does the exhibition open?

The exhibition opens on September 17, 2025, at 8pm, marking the culmination of the year-long space_relations project.