Language derives not from logic, but passion, Rousseau writes in his essay on the origins of language. Why did we develop language? And, what makes a language? Communication is essential to our existence. It makes the premise for all interaction; how we express our needs, emotions, thoughts, and ideas. In its paradoxical nature it can evoke both experiences of unity and community (when one speaks the same language), but equally that of confusion and alienation (when one do not understand or is not being understood).
The exhibition Lorem Ipsum brings together the work of the five artists Eli Maria Lundgaard, Jo Mikkel Sjaastad Huse, Sigbjørn Bratlie, Bianca Hisse, and Daniel Slåttnes. The common thread is their interest for and artistic exploration of questions connected to the linguistic, how humans communicate with one another, other living spices and non-human interaction. Central to the exhibition is questions related to who and what that is speaking, and maybe even more importantly what and who that is heard.
On their own, and together, the included works invite to reflections on language in an expanded sense; what does it mean to us, how do we understand it and use it, and what mechanisms and hierarchies does it express – between humans, and between humans and other creatures. With works that challenge traditional ideas of language as something limited to human interaction, time and place, Lorem Ipsum suggests alternative understandings of what language actually is, and what it can be.
Artists: Eli Maria Lundgaard, Jo Mikkel Sjaastad Huse, Biana Hisse, Sigbjørn Bratlie, and Daniel Slåttnes
Curator: Una Mathiesen Gjerde
Assistant curator: Mathea Milkovic Saric
Opening date: August 7th (6pm-8pm)
On view: August 8th to September 14th
Venue: BO, The Association of Visual Artists Oslo