An honest exhibition

Bildetekst: Vårutstillingen 2019, f.v. Bjørn-Henrik Lybeck, Hilde Honerud og Petter Buhagen. Foto: Istvan Virag

The annual Vårutstillingen is now in its final week. How would you characterise this year’s exhibition?
This year Vårutstillingen presented a diverse snapshot of contemporary Norwegian photomedia practice. The works are individual but well balanced.
With 40 works from 14 artists, it is an unusually comprehensive exhibition this year.

Could you please elaborate on the jury process and how you ended up with such a generous selection?
The jury me, Kjersti Vetterstad and Sverre Strandberg came together as peers to look and discuss all the applications over two days. We were unanimous in our selections, which provided a pleasant space for discussion. Towards our end selection, we noticed that we were faced with putting on the curators’ hat. We strongly agreed to have an honest exhibition that provides an overview of photography today, instead of curating works that will fit together in a theme. We felt curious about handing over some of our thoughts and questions to the audience by having a bigger selection as an overview.

Bildetekst: Synnøve Sizou G. Wetten er mottaker av Fotokunstprisen fra Billedkunstnernes Hjelpefond, pålydende 150000 kroner. Foto: Istvan Virag

Vårutstilling is an open call exhibition. Why is this format still important and relevant?
It provides an invaluable opportunity for both emerging and established photographers to exhibit their work in a high-profile context. Open call exhibitions are usually well attended and should provide a generous platform for opportunities and encouragement.

Bildetekst: Vårutstillingen 2019, f.v. Klara Sofie Ludvigsen og Kristian Skylstad. Foto: Istvan Virag

Thursday there will be an event in the exhibition. What is on the agenda this evening?
The agenda is to bring together available artists for artists talks. A casual evening where the public can come and hear more about their works and artistic practice intimately. It is also an opportunity for the artists to reflect on their work and the exhibition together. I think it is valuable in having an active dialogue after the big bang event, that is the opening.

Bildetekst: Vårutstillingen 2019, f.v. Jon Gorospe (på gulvet), Ingrid Eggen, Siri Ekker Svendsen og Silje Lovise Gjertsen. Foto: Istvan Virag

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