Mekdes W. Shebeta and Kjersti Sundland

Mekdes Weldehanna Shebeta and Kjersti Sundland have participated in the project “Invited +1”, where an artist is invited to a residency and exhibition at S12 and given the opportunity to invite another artist of their choice. Shebeta invited Sundland and together they spent their time in S12 producing new work for the exhibition An Infinite Number of Possible Worlds. The exhibition presented both new and existing works, stemming from their reflections on consciousness, spirituality, and memory. Their distinct artistic approaches created a dialogue between the works, opening up new narratives and connections.

Mekdes W Shebeta is a multidisciplinary artist exploring universal experiences through visual metaphors and the language of those who never reach their destination. Her work delves into themes of ancient wisdom, alternative communication, and surviving migration, layered with biographical material to convey a never-ending journey. Shebeta’s unique storytelling transcends traditional documentary formats, with a focus on creating unexpected settings for storytelling within an artistic context. Through her installations and site-specific projects, she embraces eco-friendly techniques and handcrafted materials combined with contemporary design, often exploring ideas of comfort and inclusivity within traditional architecture. Her interactive performances and installations foster community involvement, inviting reflection and connection.

Shebeta has exhibited her works in solo and group exhibitions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Dresden, Norway, Finland, and Sweden, impacting the communities she engages with. Currently, she is working on new artwork, “Tseteta,” which will be presented in upcoming solo and collaborative exhibitions in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Bergen, and Oslo in 2025 and 2026. Her commitment to creating spaces for organic discussions and storytelling using traditional eco-friendly techniques continues to shape her artistic practice

Kjersti Sundland is a visual artist working with a collaborative and research-based methodology. Her work often explores unusual sensory impressions and mental states that challenge the boundaries of what is defined as reality, fantasy, dream and waking state. Sundland is interested in how different mental states can open up new forms of thinking and reflection. The works are often based on historical archives and other research material, and made into different narratives through sound, video, sculpture, installation and performance. Sundland often works closely with visual artists, musicians, designers, and technicians. Music is central to her practice, where improvisation and interaction are important in realizing the different works. 

Sundland holds a BA in Fine Art from Coventry University, and an MA in Fine Art from Royal College of Art, London. Her work has been exhibited at Hordaland Kunstsenter, Rogaland Kunstsenter, Kunsthall 3.14, Museum of Modern Art, Bologna, TICA Centre for Contemporary Art, Tiran, Punkt Ø, UKS, Oslo, Trøndelag senter for Samtidskunst, Galleri Brandstrup, Artopia Gallery, Milano. Her videos and live video performances have been presented among others at PureScreen including Castlefield, Cork Film Center, B4 Play Video, Berlin, Netmage, Bologna, AudioVisiva, Milan and VideoLisboa, Lisboa.

The residency and exhibition production are supported by funds from Billedkunstnernes Vederlagsfond, KIN regional funds, and the City of Bergen.