Group exhibition, Bjørgvin fengsel (prison) 27. okt. - 11. nov 2007
About the exhibition:
The exhibition "relocated" took place in non-conventional exhibition rooms in Bjørgvin prison in Bergen. Five artists showed site-specific works; Aud Marit Skarrebo Holmen (installation/text), Ann Kristine Aanonsen Larsen (video installation/sound), Linda Øgaard (installation/painting) and Line Helen Danielsen and Stine Gonsholt (installation).
The artists had 1500 m² in Bjørgvin prison at their disposal. This part of the prison was earlier an institution for mentally disabled people. The building was currently ripped of all its interior and the rooms appear as concrete shells. In ”relocated” new meaning is added to the rooms through various adaptations, reconstructions and placing of elements. The exhibition was open for the public during the weekends. We had separate viewings for the inmates. Arranged by Bjørgvin prison and the visual artist Vigdis Hareide.
About Uklar himmel - a room painting, 638 x 638 x 296 cm:
The work is a single piece of art consisting of wall, ceiling and floor painting covering three adjacent rooms. – An abstract painting which reinforces- and at the same time redefines this space. The rooms initially lacked electric lighting, and I chose to let the daylight heavily influence the final result.
To me these room have a rough character that I've wanted to threat with a certain brutality. The work has been very physical, and this is apparent. The paint has run down the walls and ”stones” of Leca has loosened during the process. In some parts, the painting/room moves in and out of a darkness that almost dissolves the room. Other parts already subjected to daylight, are further enhanced by lighter colours. There are contrasts in the painting aiming to distort/confuse the understanding of the room.
To me, this project deals with desorientation and a kind of "intermediate state", reflected in the history of this building and the prison life.
Press mention:
Billedkunst, no.7, 2007, Art critique by Tommy Olsson, "Langt, langt borte" ("Far, far away")