2_6_ScanMag_60_Jan_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
20/12/13
14:39
Page 89
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
“Many of the represented artists use space in a very intriguing way, taking both architecture and human comprehension of a room into account. The converging of such elements is absolutely fantastic.” Another noted artist drawing intriguing links between architecture and art is Vibeke Bärbel Slyngstad. In her series Modern Classics she investigates the contrasts between strict, modernist architecture and natural phenomena, all while exploring and utilising painting as a medium. The artist, whose work has been presented at the Venice Biennale, offers a new perspective on the motif of her choice: interiors of classic, modernist buildings. Punkt Ø exhibitions are by individual artists and groups alike, the latter categorised by conceptual theme. Beyond exhibiting indoors, Punkt Ø strives to utilise the freedom of its baroque garden for as many displays as is practically suitable. The great outdoors becomes another arena dedicated to exploring unparalleled creativity, adding a green feel to the venue as a whole. The coming summer we may experience the Scottish artist Susan Phillipz’s sound installation in the area. “No matter where we do it, we strive to bring the best and boldest of artists to the public. Artists who can challenge and engage, and invite visitors to a platform of dialogue where they can understand varieties of illustration and communication,” says Havstam.
Top left: From a group exhibition with, amongst others, Jimmie Durham’s work Hitlerstones (to the left in the photo) and Orn Alexander Amundason’s Kreppa sound of financial collapse. Below: Andreas Siqueland's Winterstudio, Spring Nights shown in Alby park, Momentum – Nordic Biennial for Contemporary Art, 2011. Photo: Vegard Kleven. Right: From the summer 2013 exhibition Munch and Moss at Galleri F15. Edvard Munch lived at the Moss country manor Grimsrød from 1913 to 1916. Photo: Ingeborg Øien Thorsland.
for such a place, and it’s very important that we step up and meet that need,” says Havstam. She explains there are plenty of reasons to be excited about 2014 at Punkt Ø. In May, Norway will celebrate the 200-year anniversary of its constitution, a time of great festivity around the country. Gallery Punkt Ø will join the celebrations by exhibiting authentic maps from the signing of the Moss Convention – the de facto peace
treaty forming the basis for the SwedishNorwegian personal union. “It’s exciting to showcase these historically important maps. We had a curator to bring in contemporary artists who use maps and prospects in their works, so the contrast will form a good undertone to the exhibition.” For more information, please visit: www.punkto.no
A will to go further The ambition to be better and bolder stems from an everlasting source. Punkt Ø has numerous goals to be met, and is not afraid to set them high. One of the most significant points on the agenda is the construction of a separate building dedicated to the relationship between children, youths and art. “Our wish is to create a workshop where children and young people can come together and interact. We want to explain the art to them but also let them draw their own conclusions. We see the need
View of the Oslo fjord from Alby Park.
Issue 60 | January 2014 | 89