A series of engaging Performance Art Weekend Courses centered around specific research themes that offer exploration through practical activities and exercises, along with insightful theoretical discussions.
APPLY FOR CURRENT COURSES
#2 WORKSHOP
BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS
When: 4 – 5 October 2025 (Day 1: 12pm – 6pm, Day 2: 12pm – 6pm)
Where: POPOP Art, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Workshop structure: Introduction of PAS | Team, participants; inspirational lecture by BBB Johannes Deimling; research through a variety of unique performative exercises, experiments and tasks.
Application deadline: 28 September 2025
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spots are limited.
Price: €120* / €150
*Reduced price for students and former PAS participants
Teaching language: English (German as needed)
Participant age: 16-150 years old 🙂
Experience level: Tailored for beginners and professionals.
READ THE CONCEPT [ENG]
How can we capture what is about to disappear?
How can we capture an image before it slips away?
In this two-day workshop, we will explore the ephemeral nature of images and the importance of capturing them in time. By combining spatial awareness, image-making and performance-based thinking, Before It Disappears provides participants with a practical approach to researching and creating visual gestures in real time.
At the heart of the workshop is the relationship between the human body and space: a dynamic and ever-changing dialogue forming the backbone of contemporary performance art. Through guided exercises, individual experiments and collective reflections, we will investigate how bodies shape, and are shaped by, the spaces they inhabit.
We will provide practical and theoretical tools to sharpen perception, activate intuition and cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the visual language of performance. Along the way, we will seek to capture the images that arise spontaneously — those brief, vibrant moments of resonance that often vanish before we can name them. Like performance itself, these images are temporary and ephemeral, insisting on being experienced.
We will use photography and videography not for documentation purposes, but as part of the creative process: as a means of framing, capturing and reflecting upon the work in progress. These recordings will then be used as material for further individual research, dialogue and artistic development.
No prior experience of performance art is necessary. What you will need is curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to observe yourself, others and the world around you.
READ THE CONCEPT [DE]
Wie können wir festhalten, was im Begriff ist zu verschwinden?
Wie können wir ein Bild einfangen, bevor es entgleitet?
In diesem zweitägigen Workshop widmen wir uns der ephemeren Natur von Bildern und der Bedeutung, sie im richtigen Moment festzuhalten. Durch die Verbindung von Raumwahrnehmung, Bildgestaltung und performativem Denken bietet *Before It Disappears* den Teilnehmenden einen praktischen Ansatz, um visuelle Gesten in Echtzeit zu erforschen und zu entwickeln.
Im Zentrum des Workshops steht die Beziehung zwischen dem menschlichen Körper und dem Raum – ein dynamischer, sich ständig wandelnder Dialog, der das Rückgrat zeitgenössischer Performancekunst bildet. In angeleiteten Übungen, individuellen Experimenten und gemeinsamen Reflexionen untersuchen wir, wie Körper Räume formen – und zugleich von ihnen geformt werden.
Wir stellen praktische und theoretische Werkzeuge zur Verfügung, um die Wahrnehmung zu schärfen, die Intuition zu aktivieren und eine tiefere Sensibilität für die visuelle Sprache der Performance zu entwickeln. Dabei geht es uns darum, jene Bilder einzufangen, die spontan entstehen – flüchtige, lebendige Momente des Widerhalls, die oft vergehen, bevor wir ihnen einen Namen geben können. Wie die Performance selbst sind auch diese Bilder vorübergehend und vergänglich – sie bestehen darauf, erlebt zu werden.
Fotografie und Video setzen wir dabei nicht zur Dokumentation ein, sondern als integralen Bestandteil des kreativen Prozesses – als Mittel, das entstehende Werk zu rahmen, einzufangen und zu reflektieren. Die Aufnahmen dienen anschließend als Ausgangspunkt für individuelle Recherchen, Dialoge und künstlerische Weiterentwicklungen.
Vorkenntnisse in Performancekunst sind nicht erforderlich. Was du mitbringen solltest, sind Neugier, Aufmerksamkeit für Details und die Bereitschaft, dich selbst, andere und die Welt um dich herum genau zu beobachten.
THESE WORKSHOPS ARE FOR YOU IF:
You’re seeking inspiration and opportunities to create new works.
You want to meet like-minded people and grow your network.
You enjoy making art and diving into artistic research.
You want a supportive environment to take creative risks.
You are short on time but eager for intensive workshops.
You’re drawn to image-making and visual experimentation
You value guidance of an experienced artist and tutor.
You want tools and impulses to develop your artistic practice.
You’re curious to challenge your perspective and discover new working methods.
You’re interested in combining performance art with other art forms.
You’re ready to deepen your artistic voice and vision.
THE COURSES ARE LED BY BBB JOHANNES DEIMLING AND MONIKA DEIMLING
READ MORE ABOUT BBB JOHANNES DEIMLING
BBB Johannes Deimling, born in Andernach (Germany), is a visual artist and works in the fields of performance art, video art, drawing and art film. Since 2016 he is married to the Polish photographer Monika Deimling, and both are also sharing an artistic collaboration.
He has 35 years experience as a performance artist, 26 years as a performance art teacher and he guided over 1600 artists, students and teachers during PAS | Performance Art Studies projects.
Central to Deimling’s work is the creation of visual, poetic imagery that intentionally eludes direct logic while offering a metaphorical perception. The images in the form of performances, drawings, video and film works are intended to trigger new images in the viewer. Deimling is not primarily interested in what one sees, but rather in what one does not see: the images in the minds of the viewers.
BBB Johannes Deimling has invested a large part of his artistic research in teaching and learning performance art processes since 1997. He works internationally at art academies and art universities as a professor, lecturer and teacher of performance art. In 2008 he founded the international art and education project PAS | Performance Art Studies and has been the artistic director since then.
“IN THE WORKS” is a publication documenting the work of BBB Johannes Deimling 2010-2022, which you can read in our Library.
BBB Johannes Deimling’s performance artworks have been internationally presented at several performance art events such as: Accion!MAD, Madrid, Spain; Interakcje, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland; FADO, Toronto, Canada; M:ST –performative art festival, Calgary, Canada; Blauverschiebung, Leipzig, Germany; BONE, Bern, Switzerland; LAS BAS biennal, Helsinki, Finland; PAO -Performance Art Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Live Action, Guangzhou, China; PERNEO, Madrid, Spain; LiveArt.dk, Copenhagen, Denmark; Venice International Performance Art Week, Venice Italy; PAB -Performance Art Bergen, Bergen, Norway; CLOUD festival, Tirana, Albania; Carbonarium, Kyiv, Ukraine; Performance Crossings, Prague, Czechia, IMAF, Odzaci, Serbia; Homar festival, Khorramabad, Iran; UP-ON festival, Chengdu, China; EPHEMERA, Copenhagen, Denmark; KONTAKT, Gorzów Wielkoposki, Poland; STARPTELPA, Riga, Latvia; ACCIONES AL MARGEN, Bucaramanga, Columbia; and many others.
Besides his international presence at performance art festivals his works were presented at: ARKEN -Museum for contemporary art, Copenhagen, Denmark; Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; KIASMA -Museum for contemporary art, Helsinki, Finland; ICA -International Center of the Arts, London, UK; Museum der bildenden Künste, Leipzig, Germany; Galerie im Taxispalais, Innsbruck, Austria; Arsenale, Venice, Italy; Turbinenhalle, Winterthur, Switzerland; CCA -Center for Contemporary Art, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cornerhouse Gallery, Manchester, UK; Neuer Berliner Kunstverein, Berlin, Germany; Schindlers Factory, Krakow, Poland; Albertinum –Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden, Germany; KUNSTMITTE, Art Fair, Magdeburg; and many others.
READ MORE ABOUT MONIKA DEIMLING
Monika Deimling – Poland / Germany
Her specialty: a constant stream of thoughts
Monika Deimling introduces herself as an interdisciplinary artist working mainly with
photography, embroidery and art film. Beginning with her sociology education, she has developed a diverse interest in people and especially their behaviour.
She is a careful observer, collecting everyday moments as a source of inspiration, trying to transform overflowing thoughts into various artistic expression. Her work focuses onthemes related to the body, trauma and memory, with a tendency to create a series of works based on real events transformed into abstract images.
Deimling states that “some memories are so strong that they imprint themselves in ourbody and become like an invisible tattoo that itches from time to time. The moment we look at a piece of art can be like a wake-up call for these imprints, we can feel connected and know exactly why or on the contrary, we just feel it stroking or scratching our skin.” She is particularly interested in the unconscious actions that can lead us through self-reflection. Deimling challenges the fear of delving into the unknown to create invisible intersections with the viewers.
In addition to her solo work, she collaborates with her husband (BBB Johannes Deimling) since 2015 by creating visual site-specific art films. Both are dedicated observers and thinkers, seeing the world in its kaleidoscopic absurdity and beauty.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the case of cancelling the confirmed spot*, the Participant is NOT entitled to a refund. The fee is going to be returned only if a replacement is found by this Participant.
If the program is cancelled by PAS | Performance Art Studies, the Participant receives a full refund of the fee.
*A Participant who covered the fee, automatically has a confirmed spot.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How do I register?
Please fill out the registration form here. Once you receive confirmation, transfer the fee — and you’re all set.
I registered but haven’t paid the fee. Is my workshop spot reserved?
Unfortunately not. Your place is only secured once we receive the fee.
Do I need to attend all the courses?
Our weekend courses are independent of each other, so you can join one or several — it’s up to you.
I’m interested in performance art but don’t have much experience. Can I join?
Absolutely — in fact, we encourage it! The PAS teaching method is designed so that participants at any level can benefit and develop their interests.
I’m already an experienced performance artist. Will I learn anything new?
Yes — as long as you come with full commitment and openness to the process.
I need a letter to apply for funding to cover my fee. Can you provide one?
No problem! Just send us the details, and we’ll prepare a letter for you.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer scholarships, but we’re happy to provide invitation letters if you’re applying for external grants.
I’m an art student. Can my whole class join the course?
Yes! Please get in touch with us, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Still have questions? Write to us at: pas@bbbjohannesdeimling.de
REGISTER HERE