Artist-in-Residency Program Aboard the Sailing Vessel Light Observatory #7
Led by interdisciplinary artist, spatial designer and skipper Natali Blugerman.
This residency offers artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the maritime environment and experiment within it.
Each week-long program serves as a catalyst for learning through hands-on exploration and shared discoveries. Every residency hosts up to four participants, with special guests occasionally joining to provide in-depth knowledge on that week's theme and location. The sailing routes are also thoughtfully selected to align with it.
At the end of the season, we will host a presentation in The Hague, where AiR participants can share their creative outcomes.
The Skipper
Natali Blugerman is an Argentinian-Dutch multidisciplinary artist, spatial designer and skipper based in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Her practice revolves around research and experimentation with spaces and the senses, particularly vision. She is fascinated by the interplay of light and the process through which the brain constructs images.
Natali Blugerman is an Argentinian-Dutch multidisciplinary artist, spatial designer and skipper based in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Her practice revolves around research and experimentation with spaces and the senses, particularly vision. She is fascinated by the interplay of light and the process through which the brain constructs images.
A significant part of her work is encapsulated in her Light Observatory series, of which her sailboat is also an integral part. A few years ago, she immersed herself in the nautical world to pursue a lifelong dream—to cross the ocean by sailboat. In 2024, she accomplished this journey, gaining valuable insights that she now integrates into her program. Through this initiative, she aims to share the maritime environment experience with other artists and researchers, fostering exploration and creative exchange at sea.
Light Observatory #7 is a Beneteau Oceanis 321 sailing yacht, built in 1996. This well-balanced cruiser is known for its smooth handling, solid sailing performance, and onboard comfort. It features three double berths (bedrooms) and two saloon sofas that can also serve as beds. The yacht is equipped with a galley (kitchen) and a head (bathroom). While the sitting areas are spacious, navigating the narrow corridors requires a bit of a ‘boat dance.’
Participants should bring their own sleeping bags and be open to sharing a berth if needed. Life aboard is a communal experience, with everyone collaborating on daily tasks such as sailing and cooking. Fresh water and electricity are limited, so mindful usage is essential. The water tank is refilled whenever the boat is docked at a marina — an opportunity for a proper shower. On other days, participants can embrace the adventure of a “wild” open-air shower at the back of the boat, using the surrounding sea.
This year Light Observatory is taking a little break. In the background we are already full on preparing the program for 2027 — stay tuned, because it will be a really special season!
But before we get there, we have something to celebrate. On June 20th we will be hosting a collective (Un)knotting session at Patch Studios in The Hague, where participating artists from 2024 and 2025 will be presenting the works they developed during the residencies and sharing their experiences while onboard.
An (un)knotting session is a central part of this Artist in Residence program. Every evening we all gather around the table, each of us with a piece of nautic line, and as we learn to make nautical knots, the participating artists tangle and untangle ideas and processes related to their projects as they develop during the week.
Come by and explore their works up close, learn what this residency is about and, why not, make a few knots yourself. We will be happy to welcome you on June 20th at 19.30hs at Patch Studios, Jupiterkade 8-A, 2516 BS Den Haag.
Artists interested in participating are invited to apply by email with a motivation letter outlining their artistic drive and the project they wish to develop while aboard. Selection will be based on how well each applicant’s artistic profile aligns with the week’s theme and their approach to developing their project at sea. Additionally, we aim to curate a diverse, engaging, and harmonious group of participants.
When preparing your research and development plan, please consider the limited space aboard. Suitable approaches may include collecting samples, making sketches, or conducting experiments while ashore. The program contribution is €980 + 21% vat and covers participation in the program, three plant-based meals per day, and simple shared accommodation on board.
If have any questions or need a recommendation letter to apply for a subsidy please get in contact with us.