collaboration / Hypernative
I.c.w Line Anda Dalmar (NO) and Regine Osbakk (NO)
2011-2015
A collaborative research based art project. By using the Norwegian-American as a starting- point, the project examines how cultural identity occur and how it is inherited and transformed through generations. An exploration in how humans define themselves and the environment around them, and the need for knowledge and connection to own culture and history. The project resulted in works with still and moving images, objects and happenings.
The project was exhibited in locations in the US, Iceland and Norway; Scandinavian Cultural Center (Tacoma WA, US), Sim Gallery (Reykjavik, IS), Bodø Kunstforening (Bodø, NO), Vesterheim Museum (Decora, US), Altes Finanzamt (Berlin, DE), Public Space 1 (Iowa City, US) and Agder Kunstnersenter (Kristiansand, NO).
Funded by: Kulturbyfondet Stavanger (NO), Vederlagsfondet (NO), Stavanger Kommune (NO), an anonymous donor (US) and Mary Mills Dunea of Osage, Iowa (US).
WORKS
#1 Reverse History, video, 2012, 26:20 (still image) - In the video work Reverse History we meet the two sisters Diane and Marlene as they look back at their father Erik’s life, his meeting with Norway and his ancestors’ history. Erik was third generation Norwegian-American, born and raised in Dennison, Minnesota. He lived all of his life on the farm working the land. Norway was throughout his life presented as urlandet (= the fatherland), amazing and beautiful, but unreachable. When the opportunity for a visit came he could not deal with the experience as something real. He would later look back on the journey as a dream. The video work provides a reflection on the American Dream in reverse.
#2 I have my thoughts to entertain me, video, 2013, 09:04 (still image) - I have my thoughts to entertain me is an abstract video portrait of Erik Halverson based on how the artists learned to know him through his daughters stories. It is a visualisation of a state of mind.
#3 Folldal 2014, video, 2014, 05:16 (still image) - The video work presents the Halversons relatives in Norway and their reflections related to the visits from their American family. The work take place in Folldal, Norway.
#4 Rekonstruert/Reconstructed, photograph and sound, 2011-2015 (selection) - A portrait series consisting of portraits of American children, young adults and pets that has been given a first name inspired by their cultural heritage. The portraits are accompanied with a soundtrack were they present themselves.
#5 Hypernative, photograph and objects, 2011-2014 - Hypernative is a photograph series containing of approx. 600 snapshots taken during research in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and New Jersey between 2011 and 2014. The photos capture different expressions of contemporary Norwegian-American identity, such as jokes, ethnic sayings, food, institutions and festivals. The photographs are exhibits together with objects made of Norwegian sweaters.