HYBEL TIL LEIE (Studio Apt. for rent), 2001
“Hybel til leie” was my exam project at the Academy of Fine Arts. It was presented in Bergen kunsthall as part of the final exhibition. A showing was also arranged, by White Cube, Bergen Kunsthall, the landlord and me, in Welhavensgate 52, the studio apt. where my work was located. For this project I was awarded a public grant (BKH-stipend) for academy students.
The story of HYBEL TIL LEIE
People looking for a place to live have a certain set of expectations, and they look for particular qualities with each potential living place. People visiting an art exhibition naturally have a completely different type of expectations, and they will be searching for completely different qualities. Through my project I want these two groups of "observers", with their different purposes and expectations, to meet. Each of them has a certain way of looking that I wish to challenge and play with. I would like to give a positive surprise both to the art audience and to those coming to find a place to live. Some might even come with a double purpose, and some might also gain doubly. The first step was to place this advertisement in the newspaper: "YOUR STUDIO APT. - A POTENTIAL ARTWORK!". Soon the replies came from various landlords. What did I intend to do, rosepaint the walls? Then came a hectic week. The reseach produced more results than I had expected. I presented my ideas of working with the space, turning the room into an artwork, changing it physically, working with and emphasizing existing qualities in the room to develop it in a challenging way, working with paint and light, letting traces from previous tenants be a part of the material, etc... However, in talks with different landlords their ideas became the prime focus; their personalities, their projects, their stories, their views on art and their perceptions of the project I might carry out in their apartment. The landlords have a lot to offer. A PILOT GROWS GRAPES IN THE ATTIC. One is fascinated by the magic of mirrors, another is enthralled with bright colours. One walks barefoot around under a high ceiling, telling stories about the lady and servants of the past, and about how the lady arranged to send secret messages to the kitchen. This could have become a long story. Two months before the final exhibition in Bergen kunsthall I have choosen a room, measuring about 25 square meters, located in Welhavensgate 52. I do not hve become a long story. Two months before the final exhibition in Bergen kunsthall I have choosen a room, measuring about 25 square meters, located in Welhavensgate 52. I do not have to pay rent and I am allowed to do almost anything I like. The work was finished the 3rd of May, a SHOWING was arranged and the studio apartment got rented out.
The story elaborates in these two press releases: