Keil Space: The Art of Self-Observation
Keil Space redefines the perception of space through an immersive artistic experience. Its vast, dark environments envelop visitors in a dimension suspended between reality and dream, stimulating both mind and senses. Every step and every glance becomes a discovery, creating a continuous dialogue between observer and observed – an invitation to question the very nature of perception.
Keil Space continues, from day to day, to be visited individually by widely diverse personalities, including experts from different fields, like Kristel Campaert, a psychologist specializing in well-being, self-development and stress management. She holds a PhD in neuroscience and a background in business economics. She is a senior mindfulness instructor and has published scientific articles on resilience and group dynamics. Through her work, she supports the well-being of adults, young people and children by integrating positive psychology and mindfulness, fostering trust, optimism and emotional awareness.
After experiencing Keil Space, Kristel wrote a text highlighting how the space – through its immersive design and unique approach to hospitality – creates an experience that nurtures awareness of the present moment. For Kristel, Keil Space is not merely a place of art but a transformative journey, offering visitors a clearer and deeper understanding of themselves.
Below is the full text by the psychologist:
In psychology, mindfulness refers to the ability to direct one’s attention in a particular way to the present moment – intentionally, with curiosity and without judgment. This practice cultivates awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions while regulating automatic reactions to events. Such awareness and this way of engaging with experiences help reduce stress and the discomfort associated with various life circumstances, from general situations like parenting to profoundly challenging experiences such as severe illness, including cancer. In other words, mindfulness contributes to greater well-being.
A visit to Keil Space offers a remarkable opportunity to experience mindfulness, as it immerses visitors in an environment that prompts them to notice their thoughts, emotions, physiological reactions and actions in an extraordinary setting.
Several aspects of the visit make this experience particularly compelling. It begins with the invitation – mysterious as it comes from a friend who highlights the uniqueness of the experience. Then follows the physical welcome into a space that, despite its striking modernity, is located in the ancient heart of Florence. The darkness of the space, in stark contrast with the city’s usual cultural offerings, marks a threshold – an invitation to leave behind the familiar. The welcoming ritual, including the offering of a drink, further reinforces the break from daily routine, while handing over one’s phone marks the absolute end of any sense of familiarity.
The experience gains even more intensity from the fact that visitors navigate and absorb the space mostly alone. One hour with myself, surrounded by powerful artworks and immersive music, disconnects me from the outside world. The ability to engage with curiosity and non-judgment, paying attention to every aspect of the experience, fosters a sense of well-being while allowing thoughts and emotions to flow freely. Each artwork I encountered at Keil Space evoked entirely different stimuli, making every moment unique.
I can imagine that, depending on one’s emotional state upon entering the space, visitors may experience profound well-being, joy, hope and happiness – but also solitude, discomfort, or a sense of incomprehension.
In any case, the time spent alone in front of Sam Keil’s powerful works of art, accompanied by music, becomes a rare opportunity to observe oneself deeply. It is an original moment of self-discovery. The final interview plays a crucial role in this awareness process. It allows visitors to give voice to their lived experience – an essential element in psychology, as it helps organize thoughts and memory more effectively.
We thank Kristel for her meaningful contribution and opinions, and invite readers to deepen the therapeutic value of the Keil Space Experience:
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