Keil Space by Sam Keil: A Multi-Sensory Art Journey Like No Other

What does it truly mean to experience art in a space that heightens all your senses? Step into Keil Space, Florence’s experimental artist-run exhibition hub, where creativity leads to a new awakening


24/01/2025

By Giulia Piceni. Cover image courtesy of Keil Space.

Keil Space is more than just an artist-run venue; it is a portal to a multi-sensory journey where light, sound, smell, and even taste converge to create an unparalleled experience. Tucked away in the San Niccolò district of Florence, this space defies conventional exhibition formats, blending art with perception to evoke profound emotional and physical responses. Under the guidance of its founders and the invisible presence of the visionary artist Samantha Keil, the space invites visitors to move beyond passive observation, encouraging active engagement with the artworks and with themselves.
Here is a spoiler-free first-hand review of this unique space.


Keil Space by Sam Keil: A Multi-Sensory Art Journey Like No Other


Before Entering the Keil Space by Sam Keil

I walked along the Lungarno, following its course. As I made my way and left the bustling city centre behind, I felt a growing sense that I was approaching a place hidden from the world. Along a street lined with mid-century villas from the 1960s, I arrived at number 5, Via Michelangelo, nestled in the San Niccolò district of Florence. A polished plaque confirmed that this was the right place. I reached Keil Space.
I sent a quick message to notify my arrival, and soon the gate swung open. A young man, stepped forward to greet me. In his hands was an envelope sealed with black wax, bearing an embossed letter “K.” Inside was the official invitation to explore the space, along with detailed instructions for entry. The letter specified a dress code of dark clothing and noted that its bearer was among the first 100 people granted access to this exclusive venue.
Hints suggested that the space intertwined art and the senses, but everything remained shrouded in mystery, leaving me unsure of what lay ahead. As I waited for the door to open, I studied the letter, imagining the possibilities that awaited beyond. The excitement of discovery was palpable, and the moment was electric with anticipation.

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Image courtesy of Keil Space.

Keil Space’s Immersive Entrance: The Ritual of Discovery

A corridor outlined by lights guided me through this space. a guide greeted me and led me into the darkness. For the next hour, she would be my guide through this enigmatic environment.
The first thing I noticed was a sensation in the air. At first, I thought it might be the space’s signature scent. However, before I could further explore this impression, another sense was awakened: taste. Stepping into Keil Space felt akin to being welcomed into a friend’s home. I was promptly offered a glass of water and invited to choose from three snacks: raisins, walnuts, or almonds. This simple act holds significant meaning. By immediately engaging my senses of taste and smell—two of our most primal senses—my awareness was heightened, preparing me for the immersive, multi-sensory journey ahead, bridging different disciplines and perceptions.

Light, Sculpture, and Perception: The Art of Keil Space

Describing Keil Space in detail would not do justice to the tremendous collaborative effort between the founders and the artist. Upon entering, you find yourself in a dark, enigmatic environment illuminated at the centre by a zenithal light that filters through a series of bars. This light descends, with clinical coolness, onto the surfaces of three imposing columns, which symbolise the three pillars of Samantha Keil. The colour palette of the space transitions from deep black to teal, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and contemplative. The minimalist, clean architecture evokes emotion not only through its structures but also through a third powerful element: light. Light is a crucial element in Keil’s artistic practice and is also essential to the space itself. It features prominently in numerous sculptures and installation pieces that aim to elevate the spectator’s senses through an interdisciplinary dialogue.

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Image courtesy of Keil Space.

Additionally, having a guide who facilitates an ongoing dialogue about what is seen and felt adds a valuable dimension to the experience. This interaction encourages visitors to articulate their thoughts and opinions freely, without fear of judgement, supported by both the environment and the guide. This personalised engagement with the artwork is a rare opportunity, often missing in more traditional exhibition spaces like museums or galleries. It’s a testament to the distinctive charm of artist-run spaces.

The Intersection of Art, Light, and Personal Engagement

Emerging from Keil Space and readjusting to daylight takes time. After spending an hour immersed in darkness and moving at a slow, reflective pace, being thrust back into the chaos of traffic feels like a sharp jolt back to reality. Yet the calm, meditative atmosphere created by the space and its artworks lingered within me. It stayed with me on my journey home, instilling a renewed sense of awareness—a heightened self-awareness shaped by the beauty that has filled my eyes and mind. 
In this sense, the uniqueness of such an experience lies not only in discovering Samantha Keil’s work but in also embarking on a journey of personal insight. It is as much about the art as it is about the transformative impact it leaves behind.

Fields of Study
Art

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