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Art in its Blackest form

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Marina Abramović – Entering the Other Side

July 7, 2014 by Line Evensen Leave a Comment

My friend, do your wounds hurt?
If they don’t, they would not be called wounds.

~ Traditional serbian folksong.

Portrait of Marina Abramovic | © Knut Bry and Ekebergeparken Oslo, 2013

Portrait of Marina Abramovic | © Knut Bry and Ekebergeparken Oslo, 2013

When we heard that The Kistefos Museum were to host Marina Abramović’s first solo exhibition i Scandinavia, we knew we had to visit. We are after all proud co-founders of the Marina Abramović Institute in New York. Never been to Kistefos before, we were not sure what to expect, but when the first sight to greet us was an Elmgreen & Dragseth installation, we knew we would appreciate our stay. The large outdoor park is filled with contemporary sculptural art and installations, and so is the river besides the old wood pulp mill.

Abramović’s exhibition is called Entering the Other Side, and came to place when she visited The Kistefos Museum last year. Inspired by the hard lives of the workers at the mill, and relating it to her own childhood in former Yugoslavia, she created a sound installation specially for Kistefos with the themes life and death. It can be heard in every corner of the old, industrial mill, as if the walls were chanting.

The Kistefos Museum | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

The Kistefos Museum, the Art Hall | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

Walking through this retrospective exhibition, which contains some of Marina’s most famous works presented on video installations, photographs and sound, we really see how she have circled around the themes life, death and sexuality through her 40 year long career.

If you’re a fan, you have probably seen most of the artwork presented, but for those who are new to this fantastic artist, Entering the Other Side is a great way to get to know her work. Actually, most of the time she IS her work, presenting her mind, body and history to us, reminding us what it means to be human.

Entering the Other Side presents photographs of Lips of Thomas (1975) – a performance where Abramović drove her body and mind to the extreme, depicting the Yugoslavian people’s pain

We also got to see one of our personal favourites, The Balkan Baroque (1997). After the brutal war and ethnic cleansing on Balkan back in the early 1990’s, Marina drove it even further in depicting the pain of her people at the Venice Biennale in 1997. For five days she sat on a mountain of 1500 ox bones, washing them clean with a metal brush, continuously singing sad folk songs from her childhood.

Balkan Baroque II (1997) Chromogenic print presented at Entering the Other Side | © Marina Abramovic

Balkan Baroque II (1997) Chromogenic print presented at Entering the Other Side | © Marina Abramovic

Some other of our favourites were also presented; Nude with Skeleton (2005), Carrying the Skeleton (2008) and Cleaning the Mirror I (1995). Being a magazine for ‘art in its blackest form’ we surely love how Marina uses skulls and skeletons as a powerful symbol in her work. In the first mentioned of her works, which is a performance, she is literally embracing death in a video. The only sound in the room is her calm breathing. In the second mentioned work, she is carrying the skeleton. Maybe it is a burden, but still we are fascinated by Marina’s ability to accept death as a companion in life. In Cleaning the Mirror I we sit in silence watching a video of her performance, which involves metodically cleaning a dirty skeleton – for 3 hours. 

 

Cleaning the Mirror I (1995) video installation presented at Entering the Other side Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

Cleaning the Mirror I (1995) video installation presented at Entering the Other side | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

 

Marinas (in)famous screaming perfomances were also presented, both alone and with her ex-boyfriend and artist Ulay. One of the things we were really excited about, was to finally see the result of a big Norwegian performance Marina did last summer in Oslo. She and her film team gathered almost 300 citizens in Ekebergparken, Oslo, at the excact point we believe is Edvard Munch’s view when he felt Skrik/The Scream (1893). Then Marina thaught the participants to find their own scream, which is probably quite challenging, since we Norwegians are a tad quiet and modest people. But the result was emotional and really interesting. Old ones and your ones, women and men, artists and the girl next door. All presenting us with their scream. Wow.

AAA-AAA (1978) video installation presented at Entering the Other Side | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

AAA-AAA (1978) video installation presented at Entering the Other Side | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Magazine

The Scream (2013/14) video installation presented at Entering the Other Side | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Mag

The Scream (2013/14) video installation presented at Entering the Other Side | Photo: Jan F. Lindsø, Black Forest Mag

We highly recommend you to visit The Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker, Norway and their Marina Abramović exhibition Entering the Other Side this season. They’re open until October, and it is such a beautiful place hidden away on the Norwegian countryside, about one hour drive from Oslo.

Carrying the Skeleton (2008) C- Print, Courtesy Marina Abramovic and Sean Kelly Gallery New York

Carrying the Skeleton (2008) C- Print, Courtesy Marina Abramovic and Sean Kelly Gallery New York

Elmgreen & Dragset – Biography

June 8, 2014 by Jan F. Lindsø Leave a Comment

Being a huge fan of the Berlin-based artists Elmgreen & Dragset, we were simply thrilled when we found out that the Danish/Norwegian art duo were holding their exhibition ‘Biography‘ at Astrup Fearnley. It’s actually their first one in Oslo, Norway. If you’re not familiar with their previous works of art, you should definitely check them out. They have collaborated since 1995, and are famous for their works like ‘Short Cut‘ (1996) and for placing a replica of a Prada store in the desert of Texas with their work ‘Prada Marfa‘ (2005). They have even designed the ‘Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism‘, that was opened in Berlin in 2008. These are only few of their works, and there are plenty more which has been shown in their many exhibitions around the world. What is so amazing with their art, is that their works tells stories – strange, bizarre and surreal. Somehow their art is lifeless in a life-like way.

Crash...Boom...Bang! (2008) © Elmgreen & Dragset Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Crash…Boom…Bang! (2008)
© Elmgreen & Dragset
Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Already on the way to the museum, you can spot a scarecrow on the roof, which actually is a piece of the exhibition and entitled ‘Civilised’ (2012). As you enter the front door, you meet another artwork, ‘Crash…Boom…Bang!’ (2008), which depicts some boxes containing artwork of famous artists such as Koons and Hirst. Inside the museum we were greeted by a nice lady that told us that we could leave our belongings in the locker room downstairs. Little did we know, that we were already inside the exhibition. As we entered the locker room we suddenly found that we were inside a wardrobe of a gay sauna called ‘Amigos’ (2011).

Landslide (2002) © Elmgreen & Dragset Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Landslide (2002)
© Elmgreen & Dragset
Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

We went upstairs to ground floor again, and entered a nightclub called ‘The Mirror’ (2008). This was actually used for the opening party for the exhibition, and it hadn’t been cleaned since. Therefore the room gives you a ‘the day after’-vibe with empty leftover beer bottles, ash trays, stains, broken glass and with the stereo still playing. A big disco ball lying on the floor, leaving us wondering what happened last night. The song on the stereo is called ‘Too late’ (2014) and was actually composed for this special occasion. We went further into the exhibition and found a heap of trash, with a garbage bin turned atop of it, in the artwork ‘Landslide’ (2002). A comment on the consumerism of todays human society?

Close to it, there’s a pool with a floating body in it. This piece is called ‘Death of a Collector’ (2009), which also featured in their exhibition ‘The Collectors’ at the 2009’s Venice Biennale. As we’re looking at this art piece, a woman walks by only wearing a bathing suit, obviously one of the performance works of the exhibition. In a way you feel uncomfortable on her behalf, which probably is the intention from the artists. Is this a criticism towards the conformity and high culture associated with the world of art?

At the end of the first floor, there’s a stereotype waiting room with a broken queuing system, some chairs, a dying palm tree and a door with a queue counter blinking ‘0000’. The door has a crack in it, and you will obviously be waiting here for a long time. The piece is called ‘It’s The Small Things in Life That Really Matter, Blah, Blah, Blah’ (2006) and might be a look on the bureaucracy of society.

Death of a Collector (2009) © Elmgreen & Dragset Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Death of a Collector (2009)
© Elmgreen & Dragset
Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Upstairs there’s a man painting the walls white over and over again, without any specific reason. A comment Elmgreen had on this art piece was that it was ‘…a bit embarrassing that Astrup Fearnley didn’t finish the exhibition in time’. Therefore the painter had to do endless Sisyphus work without results. On the other wall there are hanging identical pieces of framed white canvases, named after the worlds most famous museums (like Guggenheim). When we took a closer look, the white color was all in different shades. Turns out Elmgreen and Dragset with the help of conservators had removed a square of the white painting found on the different museum walls, turning them into pieces of art.

The exhibition has been commented as melancholic, and with a sense of destruction. I felt that the exhibition also in a way expressed a longing and a hopeless state. I haven’t commented everything from the exhibition in this article, so you should really go and see for yourself. All I can say, is that the art of Elmgreen & Dragset is very diverse, and truly amazing!

You can visit the exhibition ‘Biography’ at Astrup Fearnley in Oslo until August 24th, 2014!

Civilised (2012) © Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Crash…Boom…Bang! (2008) © Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Gay Marriage (2010)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø

Modern Moses (2006)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Landslide (2002)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
The Future (2013)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø

It’s The Small Things in Life That Really Matter, Blah, Blah, Blah (2006)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Powerless Structures, Fig. 529 (2014)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Zwischen anderen Ereignissen (2000)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø

Irina (2007) & The Named Series (2012)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Death of a Collector (2009)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
The Agony and the Ecstasy (2010)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø

Temptation (2012)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
Eternity (2014)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø
He (2012)© Elmgreen & DragsetPhoto: Jan F. Lindsø

Game of Thrones – The Exhibit, Oslo 2014

April 28, 2014 by Line Evensen Leave a Comment

This weekend, HBO Nordic opened their Game of Thrones – The Exhibit in Oslo, Norway. And of course we had to visit!

On the left: The wedding outfits of Tyrion and Sansa. The Red Viper Prince Oberyn. Then, Margaery Tyrell's epic wedding dress and both Joffrey's and Cersei's outfit from their Purple Wedding. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

On the left: The wedding outfits of Tyrion and Sansa. The Red Viper Prince Oberyn. Then, Margaery Tyrell’s epic wedding dress and both Joffrey’s and Cersei’s outfit from the Purple Wedding. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

First of all, we just have to say how awestruck we are by the dedication of the Game of Throne-fans. When we arrived pretty early on opening day, the queue went around the whole block! We’ve heard of both Italians, Czechs and Finnish people traveling to Norway just to visit the exhibit. Norwegians also travelled from around the country. Some say on the Facebook event page that they waited for 6,5 hours to get in. At the end of the day and after 2500 fans inside the gates, HBO Nordic actually had to cut the line, telling people to come back the next day. But do not despair! The exhibit are staying in Oslo until 30th of April, from 10:00-20:00 every day.

The queue. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

The queue. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

On arrival, we were greeted by maps of Westeros and banners from around the realm. Then the exhibit opened up a treasure chest for the fans. On our right were Daenerys’ dresses from the first season, a dragon and dragon eggs. On our left were Lady Melisandre’s red dress, and Ser Davos’ severed finger bones in their pouch. Further on, we met the outfits from the Purple Wedding (and I have to say I had no idea of the detailed arrangements on Margaerys wedding dress. It was epic!), we saw The Hound’s pretty raggedy (and huge) armor. We met Needle, Jaime’s new (and old) hand, we got to witness The Mountain’s enormous sword and the awesome skull mask (and skull cup) belonging to no other than Lord of Bones.

Lord of Bones' mask and equipment from beyond the wall. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Lord of Bones’ mask and equipment from beyond the wall. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Of course we had to ascend The Wall with Oculus Rift. There were a separate line for this, but it wasn’t too long a wait, and it was definitely worth the while. We don’t want to spoil any possible surprises, but for those of you who are not familiar with the technology: With the use of this virtual reality head-mounted display and headphones, we were able to experience how it would feel like to ascend The Wall by open elevators in 4D.

Last, but not least, were of course THE Iron Throne. And it were ours to take – along with the rest of the 30 000 fans HBO Nordic are awaiting during the exhibition in Oslo.

The Iron Throne. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

The Iron Throne. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

People should understand that this is no ordinary exhibition. This is a platform for fans to show their passionate dedication, and a way for HBO Nordic to engage with the fans and give them something in return for their loyalty. The length of the waiting line probably tells a great deal of how welcome an event like this is in Norway. It’s not often we get to take part of world wide happenings, so this proves the Norwegian people are more than welcoming it. Also, since we have our own Kristofer Hivju playing Tormund Giantsbane (which also had his gear exhibited), it’s only fair we get to show our appreciation towards HBO, George R.R. Martin and the whole world of Westeros.

Ygritte, Jon Snow, and Tormund Giantsbane. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Ygritte, Jon Snow, and Tormund Giantsbane. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

We are impressed by the crew behind the series and their care for details when bringing George R. R. Martins Westeros to life. Now that we have seen the costumes, the armors and all the detailed belongings of the different characters , it will add a new dimension when watching the series.

So thank you so much for this great experience, HBO!

Watch our picture gallery from the exhibit:

The queue. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Daenerys and one of her dragons. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
On the left: The wedding outfits of Tyrion and Sansa. The Red Viper Prince Oberyn. Then, Margaery Tyrell’s epic wedding dress and both Joffrey’s and Cersei’s outfit from their Purple Wedding. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Tyrion. Photo: Line Evensen
Margaery Tyrell’s epic wedding dress. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Arya Stark to the Hound. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

The Iron Throne. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Ygritte, Jon Snow, and Tormund Giantsbane. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Lord of Bones’ mask and equipment from beyond the wall. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Elevators from the NYC exhibition. Photo: Ashley Sears / HBO
Brienne and Jaime. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Jaime’s severed hand. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Lady Melisandre’s recognizable red dress, the armor of Stannis Baratheon and Ser Davos with his obligatory finger pouch. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø
Details from Dragonstone. Photo: Jan F. Lindsø

Game of Thrones: The Exhibition

March 26, 2014 by Line Evensen Leave a Comment

The 4th season of the epic HBO series Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martins best selling book series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, is returning April 7th for another season filled with duplicity and treachery, death and survival, conquest and triumph.

When the 3rd season launched last year, HBO went on tour with an international Game of Thrones exhibition, to bring the marvelous and fascinating world of Westeros to the fans. It was – obviously – a great success. I mean, it was free AND you could take pictures of yourself sitting on the Iron Throne. Whats not to like?

© Ashley Sears / HBO

© Ashley Sears / HBO

Great news is that the exhibition again is on a world tour visiting five cities; Mexico City, Rio de Janiero, Oslo, Toronto Belfast, Austin, and Vancouver. This time HBO promises to offer ‘a fresh perspective on the show, focusing on key places, characters and relationships from the series’. Amongst the displays are weapons, props, armors, costumes, storyboards and more. You can also dive into the world of Westeros through a new, interactive experience. HBO will also offer merchandise from their shop.

© Ashley Sears / HBO

© Ashley Sears / HBO

Everything completely free of charge. What an awesome way for HBO to show their gratitude towards the fans! This year I was thrilled to see that the exhibit is coming to Posthallen in Oslo, Norway the 26th-30th April. I have read all the books and seen every episode, so I can’t wait to explore Westeros in a new and different way.

© Ashley Sears / HBO

© Ashley Sears / HBO

For more information about the Oslo exhibit, you can visit www.gotexhibitoslo.com or the Facebook-event. Here you can see the promo video:

http://youtu.be/EbxA49QYSzs

Here is a video from the Austin, Texas exhibit:

And while we’re at it, here is a new trailer for the upcoming season 4:

http://youtu.be/lkKYEzmR92A

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Cover artwork for Këkht Aräkh.

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