Love Explosion
14 Jun - 18 Aug 2013
LOVE EXPLOSION
Curators: Ola Åstrand och Mikael Nanfeldt
14 June - 18 August 2013
Participating artists:
Patrik Bengtsson, Erik Berglin, Nina Bondeson, Gabo Camnitzer, Eva Dahlin, Omid Delafrouz, Den Stora Vilan, Elisabet Eriksson, Ulla Hammarsten McFaul, Frauke, Nilofar Kosheshi, Jonathan Ollio Josefsson, Rasmus Lindgren, Sara Lännerström, Bo Melin, Mandana Moghaddam, MonoMono, Mattias Norström, Josefina Posch, Petra Revenue, Dana Sederowsky , Gustav Sparr, Surreal Lovers, Pecka Söderberg, Mauritz Tistelö, Sara Trovik, Sofia Änghede
The idea of producing an exhibition with its sole point of departure in Gothenburg has been there for quite a while. It is an idea that is based on a desire to reflect on Göteborgs Konsthall’s role in relation to the local context, which, of course, is a complex structure that entails far more than a single exhibition. Ultimately it is about the fact that Göteborgs Konsthall can and should act on a number of matters that attempt to strengthen the local contemporary art scene, in various ways.
It can be about everything from creative activities for children, debates and discussions, developing the conditions of art production, the relationship between centre-suburb, affordable studios for artists... Yes, there are a number of issues upon which to act and exhibitions is one of them. At the same time, it is crucial that Göteborgs Konsthall does not lose its international orientation; it is of considerable importance for the local contemporary art scene that it has a strong international presence. However, in the coming years we will produce more exhibitions by Gothenburg artists compared to previously.
Needless to say, an exhibition that takes its entire point of departure in Gothenburg can be designed in many ways, thematically as well as from the point of view of individual artists. I decided early on that I did not want to undertake an anthropological investigation, though worthwhile, but rather adopt an opposite, almost non-theoretical, non-hierarchical and all-embracing approach. To see what would happen? There was, however, an overall, guiding principle: all the participating artists must live and work in Gothenburg today. That was a requirement.
In order to have someone to bounce off, and occasionally confront, my ideas with, about a year ago I invited the artist and curator Ola Åstrand to co-curate the exhibition with me. What happens when two people are forced to agree? The art of co-curating – that is, agreeing on a direction and selection of artists for the exhibition – is both a difficult and interesting one. The process has been far-reaching and the selection has been preceded by extensive research.
Göteborgs Konsthall’s 2013 summer exhibition is full on: a major group exhibition devoted to engagement, creativity and will power. Some twenty artists, musicians, playwrights, writers and actors participate in Love Explosion. The title indicates what it is all about, some kind of explosion. Which, hopefully, will lead to chain reactions.
Curators: Ola Åstrand och Mikael Nanfeldt
14 June - 18 August 2013
Participating artists:
Patrik Bengtsson, Erik Berglin, Nina Bondeson, Gabo Camnitzer, Eva Dahlin, Omid Delafrouz, Den Stora Vilan, Elisabet Eriksson, Ulla Hammarsten McFaul, Frauke, Nilofar Kosheshi, Jonathan Ollio Josefsson, Rasmus Lindgren, Sara Lännerström, Bo Melin, Mandana Moghaddam, MonoMono, Mattias Norström, Josefina Posch, Petra Revenue, Dana Sederowsky , Gustav Sparr, Surreal Lovers, Pecka Söderberg, Mauritz Tistelö, Sara Trovik, Sofia Änghede
The idea of producing an exhibition with its sole point of departure in Gothenburg has been there for quite a while. It is an idea that is based on a desire to reflect on Göteborgs Konsthall’s role in relation to the local context, which, of course, is a complex structure that entails far more than a single exhibition. Ultimately it is about the fact that Göteborgs Konsthall can and should act on a number of matters that attempt to strengthen the local contemporary art scene, in various ways.
It can be about everything from creative activities for children, debates and discussions, developing the conditions of art production, the relationship between centre-suburb, affordable studios for artists... Yes, there are a number of issues upon which to act and exhibitions is one of them. At the same time, it is crucial that Göteborgs Konsthall does not lose its international orientation; it is of considerable importance for the local contemporary art scene that it has a strong international presence. However, in the coming years we will produce more exhibitions by Gothenburg artists compared to previously.
Needless to say, an exhibition that takes its entire point of departure in Gothenburg can be designed in many ways, thematically as well as from the point of view of individual artists. I decided early on that I did not want to undertake an anthropological investigation, though worthwhile, but rather adopt an opposite, almost non-theoretical, non-hierarchical and all-embracing approach. To see what would happen? There was, however, an overall, guiding principle: all the participating artists must live and work in Gothenburg today. That was a requirement.
In order to have someone to bounce off, and occasionally confront, my ideas with, about a year ago I invited the artist and curator Ola Åstrand to co-curate the exhibition with me. What happens when two people are forced to agree? The art of co-curating – that is, agreeing on a direction and selection of artists for the exhibition – is both a difficult and interesting one. The process has been far-reaching and the selection has been preceded by extensive research.
Göteborgs Konsthall’s 2013 summer exhibition is full on: a major group exhibition devoted to engagement, creativity and will power. Some twenty artists, musicians, playwrights, writers and actors participate in Love Explosion. The title indicates what it is all about, some kind of explosion. Which, hopefully, will lead to chain reactions.