INSTANT GALLERY

The story and idea

With a passion for both art and food, Ezra Vollmeier integrates an alternative exhibition platform and pop-up kitchen onto a custom cargo bike, creating a unique mobile art space known as "INSTANT GALLERY." This innovative setup provides a dynamic stage for emerging artists who often find themselves excluded from established art institutions due to the barriers of prestige and exclusivity. By transforming a simple cargo bike into a versatile gallery and kitchen, Vollmeier reimagines how and where art can be experienced, bringing it directly to the streets and everyday spaces. Unofficially coordinating with existing events, "INSTANT GALLERY" strategically positions itself near galleries, museums, and public gatherings, drawing in curious visitors and art enthusiasts. This approach not only breaks down the traditional walls of the art world but also creates a vibrant intersection of culinary and visual arts. The “instant” culinary creations, like homemade ramen, serve as both a physical and metaphorical bridge, connecting the art, artist, and audience in a shared, intimate experience that challenges and expands the conventional notions of art consumption and engagement.

The goal

Its pop-up, "Guerilla" approach challenges the traditional art world's prestige and exclusivity by breaking away from the confines of established galleries and museums. By setting up exhibitions in public spaces and coordinating with local events, "INSTANT GALLERY" democratizes art, allowing artists to reach broader audiences without the barriers often imposed by institutional gatekeepers. This approach empowers artists, providing them with the freedom to showcase their work outside conventional settings, directly engaging with the public in a more personal and accessible way. It brings art closer to the people, encouraging a new kind of art appreciation that is inclusive, spontaneous, and community-focused. By removing the formalities and costs associated with traditional exhibitions, it opens the door for emerging artists to express themselves freely and for audiences to experience art in unexpected and vibrant contexts.