Reunion

100 years after the dissolution of the union, Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium ensured a restoration of Norway's union with Sweden, in REUNION – an exhibition of Swedish and Norwegian contemporary art, from the Moderna Museet and the National Museum. The two museums had given curator Göran Green free rein to choose from the purchases of national contemporary art that had been made over the past 15 years. In addition, it was supplemented with works from Morten Viskum's own collection.

Excerpt of Göran Greens text for the catalogue:

“In the 1990s, the art world exploded – in terms of both geographic reach and with the number of artistic techniques. The major art metropolises, with New York at the forefront, lost their dominance. Art went global. There was greater and closer collaboration between countries, institutions and artists.

Both the art world and the very concept of art have undergone a veritable revolution. It is probably difficult for a young artist today to grasp the situation before the implosion of the concept of art. Say “art” to a young would-be artist today, and you cannot be sure that the first idea that pops into his / her mind is painting or sculpture: He or she may just as easily be thinking of photography, video, installations or relational art of various kinds. Painting has become but one of many artistic techniques.”

Participating artists:

Unni Askeland

Åsa Maria Bengtsson

Bigert & Bergström

Bjørn Bjarre

Maria Borgström

Bård Breivik

Anne Katrine Dolven

Jan Groth

Leif Holmstrand

Steinar Jakobsen

Kristina Jansson

Olav Chr. Jenssen

Rune Johansen

Børre Larsen

Petra Lindholm

Matts Leiderstam

Tor-Magnus Lundeby

Bjarne Melgaard

Truls Melin

Marius Mørch

Sirous Namazi

Bjørn Ransve

Annica Karlsson Rixon

Thorbjørn Rødland

Johanna Schartau

Mari Slaattelid

Erik Snedsbøl

Vibeke Tandberg

Sophie Tottie

Lars Tunbjörk

Magnus Wallin

Josabet Werkmäster

Fredrik Wretman

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Installation photos: Bjørn Kristoffersen