Life on boats at Liquid Becomings: The European Pavilion 2024

Photo by Hanna Priemetzhofer

As part of Liquid Becomings: The European Pavilion 2024, when creative journeys take place aboard a boat, unique and challenging layers are added to the experience of participating in an artistic residency. Here’s a glimpse into what it looks like to live and create art while on board:

Depending on nature

Life on a boat is directly connected to nature, both serene and wild. Weather conditions are amplified on the water. There’s more wind, greater exposure to the sun, and the constant presence of moisture. Packing appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions is a necessity, as our comfort and safety depend on it.

Moisture is unavoidable on the river. From misty mornings to dewy nights, people on board must accept that dampness is, simply, a part of daily life. And, of course, the boat’s natural surroundings mean frequent encounters with wildlife—particularly insects and spiders.

Photo by Siniša Ilić

Group Dynamics and Shared Space

Space aboard any boat is limited, both physically and in terms of privacy. The compact nature of a boat means small luggage and careful packing are a must, as storage is scarce. Privacy is rare as participants share close quarters – living harmoniously with fellow residents becomes a priority. Group dynamics play a key role in making the experience enjoyable: artists not only collaborate on creative projects but also on day-to-day tasks — cooking, cleaning, and taking care of their shared living space. Sleeping locations are set up daily either on board or ashore. The artists sleep in tents of different sizes, on inflatable sleeping mats.

Photo by Naomi Russel

Time: A Slower Rhythm

Time aboard a boat operates on a different rhythm than life on land. The unpredictability of weather and river traffic makes planning an imprecise science. Plans can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes the boat may be forced to pause for a day or two — or even longer — due to circumstances beyond the crew’s control. Each travel time varies between 4 and 7 hours daily, and schedules shift to accommodate natural elements.

Photo by Elodie Olson-Coons

Docking: Diverse Infrastructure

The boats must dock every evening, but the quality of docking stations varies, as do infrastructures, depending on the docking station. Marinas often have showers and electricity and there are often restaurants or cafés nearby. When wild mooring, on the other hand, hardly any infrastructure can be expected.

Photo by Siniša Ilić

Hygiene: Simple and Basic

Hygiene on board is basic but manageable. Artists can expect to wash hands, brush teeth, and rinse their faces with water carried on board. However, showers are only available at marinas.

Photo by Naomi Russel

Food and Water: Shared Responsibility

Food and water are essentials that require communal effort. The boat carries a kitchen with gas stoves on which the crew can cook together, and every member is responsible for cooking, groceries, dishwashing etc. They can also enjoy meals outside, in restaurants, when on land. With no access to a fridge, fresh food is limited, but water is well-stocked, with enough canisters to last until they can be refilled.

Photo by Hanna Priemetzhofer

More on life aboard a boat

To dive deeper into the creative journey that is Liquid Becomings, we invite you to listen to the 3rd episode of the podcast “Listen, Let’s Talk Liquid Becomings”. The episode features a conversation with Ewa Ciepielewska, Rainer Prohaska and Hanna Priemetzhofer as they venture into their background and the rich heritage and tradition that inspire their works, providing a fascinating glimpse into the unique vessels, the boats MS Fusion and FLOW, which form the core of Liquid Becomings. This podcast series is a Resonance FM production being developed by Donald Hyslop. Don’t miss out — tune in and join the conversation!