PENADES

“Exhibitions piece together ideas into spaces. But there is a catch: there are always two key limitations – spatial and economic.

Since 2019 Extraperlo brings together groups of people, usually friends or friends of friends, in form of *something in a shoebox* for the exhibition. The medium setting the limitation for Extraperlo is the ubiquitous shoebox – the most commonly used item for shipping. Standard size: 33 x 19 cm. What can fit inside that box? The requested *something* can be anything – an experiment, a work-in-progress or a fully-finished piece, as long as it sits at the €1 – €500 price point.

Don’t be mistaken, the initiative is not motivated by money, instead it is motivated by: subverting ideas through bringing together a selection of people, exploring the life that lies in the shadow economy and representing a group, and its secrets, which eventually constitutes a network of thought.

In 2023, for its 5th and final edition, Extraperlo presents 40 cardboxes – one for each of its previous participants. Together, they help visualise, map, but also reshuffle, the connections between the members of this group. The cardboxes are assembled in a giant walk-in box for visitors to enter. The shoebox is a space of mystery, a clandestine spot where we hide our deepest secrets, unfulfilled projects and our finest discoveries.

In its last dance Extraperlo continues to stand for the *something* inside – a limited room for magic.”

Text by Matylda Krzykowski.