ABOUT THE PROJECT
We're looking for audiovisual works that explore alternatives to big-budget film production and mainstream visual aesthetics. Throughout history, abstract and non-representational art has shown what artist and curator Peter Weibel called one of the purposes of art: opening doors no one else sees are there.
Contemporary visual culture is dominated by bloated budgets, hype cycle pandering, and shallow spectacle. Experimental video art often remains hidden -- ironically invisible -- from wider audiences compared to the latest servings of slop, even in respected arts institutions, a process further strengthened by the increasing dominance of streaming services. While mainstream audiovisual art stagnates creatively under corporate drudgery, experimental moving images can show how artistic exploration can offer different affects and potentials from those found in profit-pandering blockbusters.
Meet the Curators
Adrian Preisler (b. 2000)
is a curatorial mercenary. He is currently pursuing an MA in Art History at the University of Copenhagen, and is a curator at MILAAP, collections manager at the Jamil Collection and a student assistant at Kunsthal Charlottenborg, all in Copenhagen.
Emil Torp-Rasmussen (b. 1999)
BA in art history, upcoming MA in Visual Culture. Student assistant at Nikolaj Kunsthal and Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Maximalist, tenor saxophonist - Problem solving creative goon. From Amager. Gamer.
HOW IT WORKS
<The exhibition takes form as Kiosque de l'In-visible, an outdoor video kiosk mounted on Captive Portal's door, freely available 24/7 as a reclaimed 1080p display with stereo headphones, outdoor seating (weather permitting), and simple button controls. Kiosque de l'In-visible is part of KIOSK -- the "offline," "standby" or "AFK" programming of Captive Portal. Please note that visibility and comfort may vary with weather conditions.
Selected works will be at maximum 7 minutes long—the time it takes to smoke a cigarette—highlighting the kiosk's traditional role as a source of quick, snack-like consumption. All works will be displayed on a reclaimed 1080p screen with stereo audio via headphones.
The exhibition will be divided into segments, with each artist curating a program of up to 5 works from the selection (including their own). Each of these "subperiods" will run for at least two weeks, depending on the total number of artists. Thus, the full program will never be available in one go, simulating the haphazard flows of supply and demand. Changes in the program will be announced on social media and Captive Portal's website.
Why "kiosque"?
The word "köşk" referred to an open-air garden pavilion for Ottoman elites in the 13th century—a space for leisure and entertainment. With urbanization, the term became attached to small retail stores selling cigarettes, newspapers, or snacks. And now, it refers to interactive information screens at universities and fast-food chains. Thus, the kiosk encompasses disparate fields like open-air leisure, contemporary modes of consumption and the interactive, unserviced display of digital media. Or, in this case, an outdoor, easily accessible, shortform video program.
Why "in-visible"?
Why not non-representational? Or just abstract? Today's visual culture follows a specific narrative: that images supposedly match what human eyes see as "reality," rendering it "legible" as truth. We even say "you see what I mean?" as shorthand for understanding. But aren't our eyes—bombarded by a deluge of misinformation and screen-fed slices of genocide—traumatized, hallucinating, disoriented?
We thus propose the in-visible: not the simply not appearing, but that which cannot be "read" and thus controlled by and through the eye. You see what we mean?
KEY DATES
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
Artists from all backgrounds are welcome. Based on our concept of the in-visible, we want works that embrace abstraction beyond eye-centered approaches using analog and digital methods.
Simply put: no straightforward live-action footage—though we're open to clever deception and/or creative reinterpretation.
Examples include:
- Hand-drawn animation, AI-generated imagery, light painting, glitch art
- Hybrid approaches combining traditional and digital techniques
- 3D rendering, topographic modeling, X-rays, or other graphing/modeling techniques
HOW TO SUBMIT
Submission Guidelines
We're looking for video works that explore the "in-visible" concept described above. As mentioned, participating artists will also be asked to curate a selection of the included works to run over a period of at least two weeks, with a demonstrated theme and a short text that outlines your idea for the program included. You will of course be credited as the curator of your selection of works, and we'll announce your selection of works on our social media channels and website.
Selected works will be at maximum 7 minutes long—the time it takes to smoke a cigarette—highlighting the kiosk's traditional role as a source of quick, snack-like consumption. All works will be displayed on a reclaimed 1080p screen with stereo audio via headphones.
Submissions must be in 1080p resolution, H.264 MP4 format, with a bitrate of 12 Mbps or less. All videos must be playable in a Chromium browser, as this is what powers our kiosk display system.
This exhibition is defined by its public location and street-level visibility. Works that cheaply rely on gore, pornography, or hate speech for shock value will be ignored for being disrespectful and too often just plain bad art.
Examples of suitable works include:
- Hand-drawn animation, AI-generated imagery, light painting, glitch art
- Hybrid approaches combining traditional and digital techniques
- 3D rendering, topographic modeling, X-rays, or other graphing/modeling techniques
How to Submit Your Application
<Email to: cp@oerum.org
Subject line: "Captive Portal KIOSK Submission - [Your Name]"
Include in your email:
- Your full name and contact information
- A direct download link to your video (Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer etc.)
- Video must be 1080p, H.264 MP4 format, 12 Mbps or less bitrate, Chromium-compatible
- Brief description of your work (concept, techniques used, duration)
- Short artist bio (optional)
The link must be accessible without special permissions and remain active for at least 2 weeks.
Use folder structure: "ArtistName_CaptivePortal2025"
This is a free submission process. As an independent, unfunded, non-profit initiative, we can't offer artist fees. None of the organizers will receive any monetary compensation either.
THE SPACE
About Captive Portal
Captive Portal is an independent exhibition space located in Copenhagen's city center. The kiosk installation will be mounted on the door of Captive Portal, freely available 24/7 as a reclaimed 1080p display with stereo headphones, outdoor seating arrangements (subject to weather conditions), and an easily navigable button interface. The viewing experience and comfort level will vary depending on weather conditions.
FIND US
Location Details
Address: Captive Portal, Fredericiagade 12B, Copenhagen
Nearest Transit: Kongens Nytorv Metro Station
Hours: Kiosk installation available 24/7
CONTACT
Email submissions to: cp@oerum.org
Subject line: "Captive Portal KIOSK Submission - [Your Name]"