The Installation Art Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Installation Art Podcast, we sit down with accomplished Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck to explore his multifaceted career spanning installation art, sculpture, theater, and film. Dive into a thoughtful conversation about balancing personal life with creating monumental installations. Key takeaways include:

• Hans’s reflections on work-life balance and not having the fear of missing out.

• Insights into the logistics of transporting and installing large-scale artworks from small studio beginnings to international exhibitions.

• His approach to learning on the job and his philosophy of infusing the essence of reality into art.

• Reflections on the longevity of large scale installation art and the financial realities of creating it.

This episode offers a deeply personal look into Hans Op de Beeck's career milestones, creative process, and future ambitions, emphasising his warm personality and dedication to his craft and his family. Perfect for artists, curators, and fans of contemporary art looking for behind-the-scenes stories of the art world.

07:01 Childhood and Early Influences

10:07 Artistic Philosophy and Pandemic Reflections

11:05 Project-Based Creativity and Deadlines

27:46 First Museum Show and Large-Scale Installations

33:00 The Authenticity of Fake

43:14 Learning by Doing

46:08 Sea of Tranquility Project

48:55 Social Commentary Through Art

54:12 Logistical Challenges of Large-Scale Art

57:07 Permanent Installations and Future Prospects

59:44 Interactive Art and Public Engagement

01:07:51 Funding and Financial Realities

01:15:04 Studio Life and Team Dynamics

01:19:36 Navigating the Art World and Personal Reflections

01:33:14 Future Ambitions and Dream Projects

01:41:32 Current Projects and Collaborations

Hans op de Beeck ins based in Brussels, Belgium. You can find out more about his work on his website hansopdebeeck.com and on his Instagram @hans_op_de_beeck https://www.instagram.com/hans_op_de_beeck/

He is represented by:

Galleria Continua https://www.galleriacontinua.com/artists/hans-op-de-beeck-53

Galerie Krinzinger https://galerie-krinzinger.at/artists/hans-op-de-beeck/

Ron Mandos gallery https://ronmandos.nl/artist/hans-op-de-beeck/

Templon New York https://www.templon.com/exhibitions/whispered-tales/

Pilevnely gallery https://www.pilevneli.com/artists/32-hans-op-de-beeck/overview/

You can see his work in person at Templon Gallery in NYC, November 7 - December 21, 2024.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Art Basel: https://www.artbasel.com/?lang=en | https://www.instagram.com/artbasel | @artbasel


Documenta: https://www.documenta.de/en/about | https://www.instagram.com/documentafifteen/


Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024 | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/ | @BiennaleChannel


Nordic Watercolor Museum: https://www.akvarellmuseet.org/en | https://www.instagram.com/nordiskaakvarellmuseet/ | @NordiskaAkvarellmuseet


Anselm Kiefer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anselm_Kiefer | https://www.instagram.com/anselm_kiefer/


Schauspiel Frankfurt: https://www.schauspielfrankfurt.de/international/ | https://www.instagram.com/schauspiel_frankfurt/


Tate Modern: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern | https://www.instagram.com/tate | @Tate 


Coen brothers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coen_brothers
Raymond Carver: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Carver


Peter Doig: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Doig | https://www.instagram.com/PeterDoig/


Peter Jackson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jackson | @PeterJackson 


The Humanity Museum in the Hague: https://www.museumofhumanity.nl/https://www.instagram.com/museumofhumanity | @museumofhumanity8967


Gemeentemuseum:...

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Estonian artist Edith Karlson, who is the mastermind behind the incredibly detailed and immersive Estonian Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2024. Key takeaways from this engaging interview:

• Edith discusses the serendipitous path that led her to study sculpture and the challenges she faced after art school.

• Insights into her techniques and materials, including her preference for unconventional choices and making her own clay.

• The extensive logistics and process behind her monumental Venice Biennale project. Listen to learn many surprising details from behind the scenes.

• The impact of motherhood on her career and the challenges of being a female artist in Estonia.

• Her plans for the future and advice for aspiring sculptors.

This episode offers a detailed look at Edith's creative process, her thoughts on artist life, and her future aspirations. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of contemporary art’s rising stars.

02:05 Introduction and Icebreaker Questions

05:47 Early Influences and Artistic Awakening

07:42 Choosing Art School and Sculpture

11:31 Developing a Unique Sculpting Style

16:28 First Solo Show and Early Career Challenges

31:42 Venice Biennale Project: The Journey Begins

37:41 The Creative Process Behind Estonian Pavilion

39:04 Custom Creations and Logistics

40:22 Community Contributions and Home-Made Clay

43:16 Post-Exhibition Plans and Reflections

52:36 Balancing Art and Parenthood

56:22 Challenges and Hard Lessons as an Artist

59:22 Studio Rituals and Artistic Persistence

01:01:12 Future Projects and Musical Endeavors

01:02:40 Advice for Aspiring Sculptors

01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

Edith Karlson is based in Tallinn, Estonia. You can find out more about her work in the Estonian Centre for Cotemporary Art database: https://cca.ee/en/artists-database/edith-karlson and on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edith_karlson/

Karlson is represented by Temnikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/

She is also in a band called VANA, you can purchase their digital album here: https://sadfun.bandcamp.com/album/vana-viimne-ratsu 

Also mentioned in this episode:

Estonian Art Academy: https://www.artun.ee/en/home/ | https://www.instagram.com/eka_estonian_academy_of_arts/ | @EKAEstonianAcademyofArts

Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024 | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/ | @BiennaleChannel

Estonian Pavilion 2024: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024/estonia 

Temikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/ | https://www.instagram.com/temnikovakaselagallery/ 

Liste Art Fair:

In part two of this fascinating discussion, renowned artist and sculptor Alex Chinneck, delves into his evolution as a creative practitioner and shares his perspectives on public art, the creative process, and the evolution of his stellar career.

In this episode we will hear:

• How and why Chinneck’s distinctive work, characterized by large installations that appear to manipulate the physical properties of materials, are linked to his philosophy of “facilitation over fabrication” 
• About the balance between naively ambitious ideas and pragmatism 
• Of the importance of stamina, adaptability
• About the battle between the digital and physical art creation
• Chinneck’s view on what makes for good public art and a surprising detail in his public commission agreements

01:24 The Top Skill for Success

03:16 Versatility and Adaptability

05:58 The Challenges and Rewards of Ambition and Risk

07:04 The Struggle with Digital vs Physical Art

13:31 The Role of Stamina in Overcoming Challenges

19:56 The Evolution of Artistic Approach

26:18 What Happens to The Works

29:10 The Journey to Mastering Public Art

30:15 Why Permanent Art Should Not be Permanent

32:23 The Role of Developers

34:03 Current and Upcoming Works

36:14 The Proudest Moments

47:11 The Importance of Collaboration

Alex Chinneck (1984) is based in Kent, UK. Go check out his work on his website https://www.alexchinneck.com/ and follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexchinneck/

Also mentioned in this episode:

Milan Design Week: https://www.salonemilano.it/en | https://instagram.com/isaloniofficial/ 

Anish Kapoor: https://anishkapoor.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/dirty_corner

Antony Gormley: https://www.antonygormley.com/ 

Richard Serra: https://gagosian.com/artists/richard-serra/

Michael Heizer: https://gagosian.com/artists/michael-heizer/

Thom Yorke: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9BJwi8Q2AiLtLHdGlWqsrQ | https://www.instagram.com/thomyorke/

Richard Nutborne Scenic Studio: https://rnscenicstudio.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/rnscenicstudio

Where to see Alex's permanent public sculptures:

• The inverted pylon "A Bullet From A Shooting Star" on Ordnance Crescent, Greenwich peninsula, London. 

• The cracked facade titled "Six Pins And Half A Dozen Needles" at 77 Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, London.

• The exploding staircase "A Spring in Your Step" in Circus Street, Brighton.

• Series of "Group Hug" sculptures on buildings in Nancy, France.

This episode is also available in video format on YouTube, with some images of the work: https://youtu.be/yZVJLSChiBM

The Installation Art Podcast is a bi-weekly show about people who...

In part one of this fascinating discussion, renowned artist and sculptor Alex Chinneck delves into his evolution as a creative practitioner, from his time at the Chelsea College of Art to his globally recognized large-scale installations. Chinneck shares his perspectives on public art, the creative process, and the evolution of his career.

In this episode:

• Chinneck shares his journey to success and the gruelling process behind creating some of his most renowned pieces
• We discuss his philosophy and belief in making art accessible and easy to understand, as well as the importance of good design and collaboration
• The artist shares the toll his quick rise to success took on his mental health, leading to burnout and a necessary shift in his approach towards art creation
• What role facilitation plays in Chinneck’s work and what it means to him

02:17 Introduction and Warm Up Questions

06:24 Early Life and Art School Experience

11:42 First Major Art Project: The Sliding House

14:47 The Impact of the Sliding House and Subsequent Projects

19:58 The Challenges of Creating Large-Scale Art

24:27 The Importance of Collaboration in Art

29:18 The Success of the Hovering Building

35:07 The Struggles of Overworking and Burnout

40:58 Recovery and a New Approach to Art

48:30 The Creation of Smaller Works and Future Plans

53:33 Exploring Knots as Signature Look

55:21 Material Sourcing

56:55 The Art of Facilitation in Sculpture

53:07 Developing Cast Iron Lampposts

53:52 The Role of Function in Public Art

57:33 The Importance of Collaboration in Art Creation

Alex Chinneck (1984) is based in Kent, UK. Go check out his work on his website https://www.alexchinneck.com/ and follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexchinneck/

Where to see Alex's permanent public sculptures:

• The inverted pylon "A Bullet From A Shooting Star" on Ordnance Crescent, Greenwich peninsula, London.

• The cracked facade titled "Six Pins And Half A Dozen Needles" at 77 Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, London.

• The exploding staircase "A Spring in Your Step" in Circus Street, Brighton.

• Series of "Group Hug" sculptures on buildings in Nancy, France.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Chelsea College of Arts: https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts | https://www.instagram.com/unioftheartslondon/ 

Tate Britain: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain | https://www.instagram.com/tate 

Conrad Shawcross: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Shawcross | https://www.instagram.com/conradshawcross/?hl=en

David Murphy: https://www.davidmurphystudio.co.uk/ | https://www.instagram.com/_davidmurphystudio/

Ibstock Brick: https://www.ibstock.co.uk/ibstock-brick |

Visual artist Won Ju Lim shares her life, inspirations, challenges and triumphs as an installation artist. Born in South Korea, and raised in Los Angeles, Lim talks about her early rebellion, a fascination with fantastical places to her explorations into architecture and art. 

In this episode, we will:

• Dive into Won Ju’s creative processes and how she manipulates materials and concepts to construct her installations
• Discuss the ups and downs that come with navigating the art world, from handling the pressures of exhibiting work, dealing with the unpredictability of art sales, managing relationships with curators and art dealers, to her stratagems for pre-opening relaxation
• Hear some jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories and how someone once fell on top of Lim’s works, ending up in the emergency room
• Gain great insights about the blue chip art world, along with advice for young artists

You can find out more about Won Ju Lim's work on her website www.wonjulim.com and on her Instagram @wonjulimstudio https://www.instagram.com/wonjulimstudio/

If you’re in Los Angeles, you can see her exhibition at Council Street Gallery (3019 Council St) that opens on March 30th, 2024.

00:00 Introduction

00:59 Early Life and Rebellion

01:56 Career Aspirations and Studying Architecture

04:20 Transition to Art and First Major Projects

09:04 Opportunities in the Art World

38:20 What Happens After A Show

39:24 Choice of Materials in a Project

40:04 Selling Installations

42:04 Audience Interaction and Damage to Art

49:44 Commercial Aspect

57:27 Lessons and Advice For Artists

01:04:56 Upcoming and Dream Projects

Also mentioned in this episode:

Connie Chung: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Chung

ArtCenter College of Design: https://www.artcenter.edu/ | https://www.instagram.com/artcenteredu/

Künstlerhaus Bethanien: https://www.bethanien.de/en/ | https://www.instagram.com/kuenstlerhaus.bethanien/

Hammer Museum: https://hammer.ucla.edu/ | https://instagram.com/hammer_museum 

Galerie Max Hetzler: https://www.maxhetzler.com/ | https://instagram.com/galeriemaxhetzler/ 

Gwangju Biennale: https://www.gwangjubiennale.org/en/index.do | https://www.instagram.com/gwangjubiennale/

Patrick Painter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Painter | https://www.instagram.com/patrickpainterinc_/?hl=en 

Fuerteventura...

Visual artist Lisa Kellner shares the process behind her unique silk installations and why she moved away from making them.

In this episode we delve into:

• Lisa’s experiences with the art world and the most difficult decision she had to make to preserve her artistic integrity
• The challenges of creating large scale textile work
• What compelled Kellner to move away from making awe inspiring installations and into deconstructed painting
• Vulnerable moments that became turning points in her life
• Thoughtful advice for fellow artists and why getting what we want may not be what we need after all

Tune in to hear some jaw dropping stories! Food for thought guaranteed – for artists, curators and art lovers alike.

00:00 Lisa’s favourite quote

01:07 Introduction

01:23 Early Life and Travels

02:39 Childhood Interests and Aspirations

05:25 Transitioning from Finance to Art

06:52 The Mural Painting Business

08:11 Master's Degree and Artistic Exploration

10:10 The Shift to Installation Work

12:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Installation Art

14:55 The Evolution of Silk Works

31:43 Perception of Textile Art

34:24 The Tactile Nature of Lisa’s work

35:24 The Challenges of Shipping Art

40:51 About Artists Advocating for Themselves

48:06 The Transition Away from Installation Art

54:22 The Importance of Tenacity

56:56 Current Projects and Future Plans

Lisa Kellner is based in Maine. You can find out more about her past and present work on her website https://www.lisakellner.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lisakellnerstudio/

She is represented by:

Artemis Gallery in Maine: https://www.artemisgalleryme.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/artemisgalleryme/

Artspace in New York: https://www.artspace.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/artspace/

Cambell Collective in South Carolina: https://campbellcollective.co/ | https://www.instagram.com/thecampbellcollective/

Carver Hill Gallery in Maine: https://www.carverhillgallery.com/ | https://instagram.com/carver_hill_gallery/

Liza Pruitt in Virginia: https://www.lizapruitt.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/liza.pruitt/

SJ Art Consulting in Massachusetts: https://sjartconsulting.com/gallery | http://instagram.com/sj_artconsulting

You can buy her art here:

An in-depth conversation with independent installation artist Jason Peters. In this episode we delve into the challenges of creating large scale public art.

Jason Peters shares his experience:

• From upbringing in Germany to his art education in the United States 
• The process and philosophies that drive Peters’ large-scale art installations
• About using common and easily accessible materials like chairs or buckets
• The importance of site specificity, adaptability, and considering audience’s reactions in his works 
• The struggles and uncertainties artists face
• About budgeting and his dream projects

Join us for an in-depth dive behind the scenes of thrifting art materials and dealing with last minute technical challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

00:48 Journey to Becoming an Artist

01:55 Artistic Influences and Early Experiences

04:24 Transition to Large Sculptures and Installations

08:54 Exploring Artistic Techniques and Materials

11:09 Public Exhibitions and Opportunities

16:38 Incorporating Light into Installations

17:54 Material Sourcing and Sustainability in Art

24:51 Site-Specific Installations and Community Engagement

31:26 An Unexpected Last Minute Challenge

33:28 The Aftermath of an Exhibition

33:50 The Value and Disposal of Artworks

35:25 Funding for Large Scale Sculptures and Installations

37:07 The Challenges of Public Art

41:21 The Audience's Role in Art

47:41 The Commercial Aspect of Art

53:08 How to Recharge Creativity

55:47 The Dream Project

57:27 Current Projects and Future Plans

Jason K Peters is an independent artist based in New York. You can see more of his work, purchase smaller pieces or a book about his work through his Instagram @jasonpetersart https://www.instagram.com/jasonpetersart/ and on his website www.jasonpeters.com

Also mentioned in this episode:

Maryland Institude College of Art: https://www.mica.edu/ | @marylandinstitutecollegeofart

Andy Goldsworthy: https://andygoldsworthystudio.com/

Gabriel Orozco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Orozco | @_gabrrriel.orozco_ ??

Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe: https://ccasantafe.org/ | @ccasantafe

Sto: https://www.stocorp.com/ | @sto_us

Mattress Factory: https://mattress.org/ | @mattressfactory

Pulitzer Arts Foundation: https://pulitzerarts.org/ | @pulitzerarts

Crystal Wagner: https://crystalwagner.com/installations/ | @artistcrystalwagner

Richard Serra: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Serra

Mark di Suvero: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_di_Suvero

Governor’s Island: https://www.govisland.com/

This in-depth conversation with American artist Anne Patterson explores how she went from set design to large-scale textile art installations. 

She discusses how a residency at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral led to her first fabric installation that involved filling the cathedral with miles of suspended ribbon. 

Patterson shares her approach to filling large spaces, the challenges of sourcing her materials, and handling installation issues. 

We also discuss her collaborative work process and the importance of audience engagement for her works.

Anne also provides some practical advice for artists starting their journey in creating large works, emphasizing perseverance and taking initiative. 

This interview unveils the intricacies of her artistic process and offers a glimpse into her upcoming major project — an experiential museum show in collaboration with a composer in Sarasota, Florida.

00:00 Introduction

00:36 First Visual Art Project: The Grace Cathedral Residence

01:37 Sourcing and Manufacturing Ribbons

04:09 Challenges and Solutions in Art Installations

07:52 The Importance of Being Present During Installations

08:39 The Role of Collaboration in Artistic Process

14:34 The Durability and Maintenance of Fabric Art

23:16 The Role of Audience in Art

26:23 Logistics and Challenges of International Projects

36:22 Funding Large Scale Art Projects

38:42 The Role of Art Consultants and Galleries

41:13 The Fate of Artworks Post-Exhibition

43:16 The Artist's Studio

44:51 The Struggles of an Artist: Downtime and Uncertainty

54:01 The Hard Lesson

59:13 Advice for Aspiring Artists

01:01:22 Dream Projects and Future Plans

Anne Patterson is based in Brooklyn, NY and Rhode Island. You can learn more about her work and buy some pieces on her website https://www.annepatterson.com/ and see what she’s up to on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annepattersonstudio/ @annepattersonstudio 

Also mentioned in this episode:

Yale University: https://www.yale.edu/ | @yale

Slade School of Art: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/ @sladeschool

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco: https://gracecathedral.org/ | @gracecathedral

Capital One @capitalone

Lion Ribbon https://lionribbon.bwweb.net/ | @lionribbon

Kina Park https://www.kinapark.com/bio | @kinapark

Robert Spano https://www.robertspanomusic.com/ 

The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine https://www.stjohndivine.org/ | @stjohndivinenyc

Zegna https://www.zegna.com/ | @zegnaofficial

Alessandro Sartori @alessandrosartoriofficial

Bayeux Tapestry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry

The Unicorn Tapestroes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unicorn_Tapestries

Aggie Gund:

Award winning Australian artist Catherine O'Donnell discusses her journey as an artist, the different mediums and techniques she uses in her work, and the inspirations behind it. 

She started with formal art training later in life, initially working as a laboratory technician before transitioning to art while raising her four children. 

In this in-depth interview, we learn about O’Donnells’ process, experiences that impacted her artistic practice and how she began exploring installation. Catherine candidly shares the hard truths she has had to learn in her art career and the importance of staying true to one's unique perspective.

We also touch on the practical logistics that come with creating installation works, such as transportation and storage considerations and learn some details about her dream art project.

Links:

Cathreine O’Donnell:

https://www.catherineodonnell.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/catherine_odo/

Represented by Dominic Mersch Gallery:

https://dominikmerschgallery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dominikmerschgallery

Exhibition at Draw Space in Sydney, March 2024:

https://drawspace.org/

https://www.instagram.com/drawspacesydney

Also mentioned in this episode:

Art Gallery of New South Wales | https://www.instagram.com/artgalleryofnsw/

Anne Ryan (curator at AGNSW) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-ryan-4830824/?originalSubdomain=au

Beauty and the Beast musical | https://www.instagram.com/beautymusicalau

Carriageworks | https://www.instagram.com/carriageworks/

Grafton Regional Gallery | https://www.instagram.com/grafton_regional_gallery

Napean TAFE | https://www.instagram.com/tafensw/

National Art School | https://www.instagram.com/nas_au/ 

Orange Regional art gallery | https://www.instagram.com/orangeregionalgallery

Cité internationale des arts residency in Paris | https://www.instagram.com/citedesartsparis

Parramatta Artist Studios | https://www.instagram.com/parramattaartistsstudios

Powerhouse Museum | https://www.instagram.com/powerhousemuseum

Sol LeWitt |

This interview with internationally renowned Estonian-Hungarian artist Denes Farkas, provides an in-depth exploration of his fascinating journey as an artist. Denes reveals how he went from organ building in Hungary to studying printmaking and photography at Estonian Art Academy.

He shares valuable insights about his process of creating installation works, his interest in the limitations of translation and understanding between individuals, and the challenges of producing an installation for an international event of epic proportions such as the Venice Biennale.

You can find out more about Denes Farkas’ work on his website: http://denesfarkas.com/

And on Instagram: @denes_k_farkas | http://instagram.com/denes_k_farkas

Denes is represented by: 

Ani Molnár Gallery https://molnaranigaleria.hu/ | http://instagram.com/animolnargallery

Alarcon Criado Gallery https://www.alarconcriado.com/en/ | https://www.instagram.com/alarcon_criado/

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Estonian Art Academy @eka_estonian_academy_of_arts | https://www.artun.ee/

• Bruce Duffy

• Ludwig Wittgenstein

• Reina Sofia Museum @museoreinasofia | https://www.museoreinasofia.es/en

• Traci Brimhall @OurLadyOfNod

• Wolfgang Tillmans @wolfgang_tillmans | https://tillmans.co.uk/ 

• Jan Kaila https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-kaila-0b5b9126/?originalSubdomain=fi

• Adam Budak

• KuMu Art Museum https://kumu.ekm.ee/en/ | https://www.instagram.com/kumukunstimuuseum/

• Estonian Centre For Contemporary Art https://cca.ee/en

• 55th Venice Biennale https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2013 | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/

This episode was recorded at Estonian Art Academy, courtesy of Sander Põldsaar https://sonarpulsar.bandcamp.com/

You can find and contact us on:

https://www.instagram.com/installationartpodcast

https://installationartpodcast.com/

Join the conversation in our Facebook group The Installation Art Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/installationartsociety

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