Moving together: Practice-based research in Sophie's room

Sofie’s Room is an interactive installation for children which was developed at MUNCH in 2024 as part of its series Come Think with Us!. A key element is big black magnets in organic shapes covering the walls, inspired by Edvard Munch’s art. Visitors could place these in different configurations, either singly or joined together, thus creating their own images. Behind the project were two visual artists, choreographer and dancer Roza Moshtaghi (b. 1985) and her sister Ronak Moshtaghi (b. 1987).

The museum invited dancer and researcher Sara Wookey into Sofie’s Room to document and evaluate the collaborative research practice used in connection with the projects in Come Think with Us. As Wookey writes, she wanted to look at the project from her own interest in ‘how dance and expanded choreography, as relational and site-specific practices, can change the human notion of relationships in ways that can be more inclusive, diverse, fair and sustainable.’

By observing and analysing the interrelation between visitors and the installation, Wookey has gained insight into how different parties – artists, curators, museum attendants and visitors – play an active role in the creation and execution of these kinds of projects. For MUNCH, the goal is to acquire knowledge that can be broadly applied and that can provide a basis for future museum practices. The cooperation of the museum’s staff contributed to this project, creating a deeper understanding of the various roles and dynamics involved in bringing such projects to life.

You can read Sara Wookey’s report here (PDF).  

Practice-based research: Why? 

Practice-based research is a central approach at MUNCH in the development of the museum’s mediation practice. Grounded in our Research and Innovation Strategy 2023–2028 document, we explore how experimentation, participation and public interaction can give new insights into the role and practice of an art museum. 

In line with Emily Pringle’s concept of ‘practitioner-researchers’, we recognise that curators, conservators and mediators do not just facilitate art education, but can also generate new knowledge through experimentation and reflection on their own practice. This requires dynamic research strategies including the monitoring of public interactions with art and museum space, and more. 

MUNCH’s research into mediation is practice-based and exploratory. We have a particular interest in: 

• New technologies and types of experience: how can digital and physical interactive elements engage a younger public? 
• Participation and collaboration: How can visitors be active co-creators of art and mediated experiences? 

Wookey’s report reveals new angles on the interplay of visitors and art. We hope you can read it and join the conversation about the ways we can challenge and expand how we think about mediating art.