Transformations

Metals are everlasting in the sense that they are part of a cycle of continuous transformation. First, they are extracted from solid rock and brought out into the light of day from dark underground mines. They are then melted into a hot viscous mass and processed further while gradually cooling down. This exhibition celebrates the various ways in which a handful of Norwegian artists have transformed metals such as gold, silver, copper and steel into imaginative miniature works of art.

Modern artists challenge our expectations about what metal is and how it can be used. These works are not merely meant to please the eye; they can also contain forceful comments about the society around us, or they can upturn conventions relating to visual language and the use of materials. Tone Vigeland makes jewellery out of hammered nails and mother of pearl, Synnøve Korssjøen files away the shiny surface of enamel, and Toril Bonsaksen solders together old cutlery to create bird figures.

The works can also tell us about transformation on a more abstract level. If we study them carefully, we discover details such as white doves, glistening raven feathers, delicate flower buds and small insects. The forms of animals and plants lead our thoughts to the world of fairy tales, where princes become wild geese, the old hag Pesta (the Black Death) turns herself into a troll-bird who flies over the land, and beautiful youths metamorphose into Easter lilies. Here viewers of all ages can immerse themselves in the world of metals and be fascinated by the power of creativity and masterful handicraft!