by Mia Butter // Jan. 28, 2025
The group show ‘Echt?! – Young 3-Dimensional Art from Norway,’ hosted by the Nordic Embassies in Berlin, presents a selection of works from the contemporary art scene in Norway. The chosen title ‘Echt?!’ reflects the intention to question authenticity, materiality and perception, while offering distinct interpretations on the matter. Opening on January 30th, four works spanning a variety of media by five artists will be exhibited until April 21st. The five artists—Andrea Scholze, Einar Grinde, Ellinor Aurora Aasgaard, Zayne Armstrong and Lin Wang—first presented this body of works in 2023 at the Vigeland Museum in Oslo as part of the jubilee celebration of non-profit organization, Eckbos Legat. Now, nearly two years later, the works are to be displayed in Berlin under the curation of Kristine K. Wessel and Jarle Strømodden.
Andrea Scholze: ‘Sensing Existence’, ceramics, joint foam, sand, various plants // Photo by Jon Gorospe
Ceramic sculpture–figures with an uncanny resemblance to humans comprise the work of Andrea Scholze, under the title ‘Sensing Existence.’ In her practice, Scholze makes a point of capturing form rather than perfection, emphasising what she refers to as an “organic aesthetic.” Using ceramics as her primary medium, she creates installations and sculptures that encourage reflection on our position in nature. Scholze’s group of sculptures at the Norwegian Embassy suggests a connection between prehistoric times and speculative futures. Einar Grinde’s installation, ‘A Borrowed Horse One Must Soon Dismount,’ portrays black, plastic, life-sized horses. Created from plastic bags, air is inflated and released from the sculpture, creating the illusion of rhythmic breathing. Referencing the role of horses in historical agricultural practices in Norway, the work explores the transition of horses as symbol of labor to one of leisure and status. Grinde explores similar themes in his wider practice, frequently touching on sociopolitical and historical topics, while merging classical sculpture with contemporary materials. This approach has garnered him praise, including the Eckbos Legat anniversary scholarship in 2023.
Einar Grinde: ‘A Borrowed Horse One Must Soon Dismount’, plastic garbage bags // Photo by Jon Gorospe
Ellinor Aurora Aasgaard and Zayne Armstrong have been working as an artist duo since 2018, using installation, sculpture and film to confront issues surrounding contemporary models of labor. In their installation, ‘The Grind,’ Aasgaard and Armstrong explore the contemporary workplace through a tongue-in-cheek lens, while also considering the “third place”–not work, not home, but another kind of place, such as a cafe, a club or a gym. Referencing neoliberal work culture, the artists touch on the blurred lines between one’s professional and private life, brought on by technology. The fourth work on show is titled ‘Still Life – Gaze from the East’ by Lin Wang. Focusing on porcelain as a medium, the artist intertwines her personal experiences of her upbringing in China before relocating to Norway. Her approach to working with ceramics includes challenging the barrier between craft and contemporary art, while also incorporating other media such as video and performance.
Lin Wang: ‘Still Life – Gaze from the East’, 2019, ceramic, mixed media // Photo by Jon Gorospe
This iteration of the exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Eckbos Legat, the Vigeland Museum, Mesén, Oslo Municipality and the Norwegian Embassy in Berlin, with support from Norwegian Crafts, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA).
Exhibition Info
Nordic Embassies – Felleshus
Group Show: ‘Echt?! – Young 3-Dimensional Art from Norway’
Exhibition: Jan. 31-Apr. 21, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, Jan. 30; 6pm
RSVP: rsvp.zkipster.com
nordischebotschaften.org
Rauchstraße 1, 10787 Berlin, click here for map
