Two Artists Set Sail in a Pair of Floating Art and Photography Studios

2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz

Today, many creatives opt to abandon the confines of traditional workspaces in order to produce work on-the-go. From pop-up art studios to portable photography labs, this trend has resulted in both an abundance of experimental spaces and a surge in new technologies. Taking both of these approaches on board, artists Claudius Schulze and Maciej Markowicz have created 2BOATS, a “floating photographic platform” that puts a creative twist on travel.

The 2BOATS project revolves around a unique pair of water vessels. Intended to house the artists as they travel around Europe, each boat is much more than meets the eye. The first was dreamt up by Schulze and resembles a rustic houseboat. It serves as a hammock-equipped hub for artists to discuss “vision, formation, creation and the environment,” hold workshops, and view Schulze's eclectic body of work.

The second boat, Obscuraboat, was designed by Markowicz. Known as a “moving camera,” this whimsical watercraft doubles as a functional camera obscura. Additionally, it houses a collection of Markowicz's photography, which ranges from fine art and portraits to projections and negative prints.

While the boats drastically differ in design and function, they both aim to inspire. “During their trip,” the 2BOATS blog states, “both artists will be engaging in a study of the environment, urban life and photography while always on the lookout for new perspectives, a different kind of awareness and novel experiences.”

This unique project is part of the “Übermut Project,” an initiative by visitBerlin and Hamburg Marketing that is funded by the German Foreign Office. Since embarking on their voyage, the pair has made stops along the way at Amsterdam’s Unseen Photo Fair and Paris Photo. After months of smooth sailing, 2BOATS will complete its journey at the Hamburg Triennale of Photography in June.

You can keep up with this artistic expedition on the 2BOATS blog.

Each vessel created by photographers Claudius Schulze and Maciej Markowicz for 2BOATS is much more than meets the eye.

2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz

Schulze's rustic houseboat serves as a cozy, creative hub for artists to hold discussions and workshops.

2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz

Obscuraboat, a “moving camera” by Markowicz, doubles as a floating and functional camera obscura.

2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz 2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz

So far, it's been smooth sailing for the duo, who will wrap up their voyage in June.

2Boats Ubermut Project Art Studio Boat Camera Obscura Boat Claudius Schulze Maciej Markowicz

Übermut Project: Website | FacebookInstagram 
Claudius Schulze: Website
Maciej Markowicz: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Kevin McElvaney.

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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