Oil nebula
The exhibition Oil nebula, uses the concept of the abyss, the vast cosmic sea as described in John Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667) which separates earth from hell, as a metaphor for societal collapse. The project draws parallels to the jellification of the oceans, where ecosystems are changing and new organisms thrive. Inspired by the increasing prevalence of invasive species and environmental changes, the exhibition consisting of works in ceramics, glass, wood and aluminum strives to mythologize the defamiliarized earth. The works form a visual language which speaks about the future of the oceans and humanity whilst forming the inhospitable sea of the abyss itself. Like Milton’s abyss, simultaneously described as the world’s cradle and it’s grave, the exhibition becomes an ouroboros focusing on both the perils and prospects of the future.
Linda Morell works with sculpture and installation that form speculative futures based on myths, science and medicine. She is known for her minimalistic and sterile expression, where the human body is a recurring theme. In Oil nebula, Morell has moved towards a new and warmer expression, with more figurative and realistic elements.
Several of the works in Oil nebula have been created in S12 during the last few years. The exhibition has previously been shown at Vestfold Art Center and Oppland Art Center, and is now finally coming “home” to Bergen.
Linda Morell (b. 1993) holds an MA in contemporary art from The Art Academy in Bergen and a BA in contemporary art from Konsthögskolan i Umeå. She has had solo exhibitions at Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter, BOA, Oppland Kunstsenter, Vestfold Kunstsenter, Plattform, Aldea and USF. In 2020 she was awarded the emerging artist award from Norske Kunsthåndverkere. Her work has been acquired by KODE art museum, Sogn and Fjordane art museum.