Museum Man

By Colin Serjent

“The parallels between Liverpool and Berlin are very similar, notably in regard to the large degree of untapped artistic talent,” said Adam Nankervis, who runs the Museum Man, which is based in a large upstairs flat at 48 Rodney Street.
“Berlin is like 18 villages stuck together – you move from one area to another, and it is like moving into a different world, like Liverpool,” he added.
Australian-born Nankervis spent several years in Berlin and has also lived in New York, Copenhagen and London.
Museum Man, which is an ironic joke on Adam’s surname, is a venue, which was previously based in an apartment in Berlin, where artists, performers, critics, theorists and critics are invited to show their work and/or exhibit their work.
“The fabrication of a “museum” was necessary for the demands of gallery representation for other galleries internationally exhibiting, or inviting me to perform, under the banner of “host gallery”,” he explained.
“The museum is a repository of art work and collections found on travels and works swapped or given to me by other artists.”
He added: “Artists started responding to the museum, and began sending their work, or giving works of other artists, including an early Medalla, a Dubuffet and Susan Hiller.
“Contributing artists to the museum include Tripode, Sico Carlier, Pedro Cabral Santo and Sumer Elk.”
Nankervis, who exhibited in the 2004 Liverpool Arts Biennial, and is planning a show in a large gallery space during the 2006 Biennial in the city, formerly had an apartment and cellar in Faulkner Street, where he held gigs and art performances.
“I have no criteria as to what should or should not be shown,” he remarked. “I don’t want to alienate anyone from this space.
“I could easily go and promote myself. But I find the dynamic of Museum Man much more fascinating.”