Internship as an artist assistant

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

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. It is a fundamental part of how the artworks are built.

After this production phase you will also be involved in:

• Preparing and installing the exhibition
• Supporting logistics (packing transport setup)
• Assisting 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

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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

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)