Young & Loving! 2023
Young & Loving! Is a humorous translation of “young and promising”, pointing to the exhibition’s focus on newly graduated artists. An exploratory approach to glass as part of an artistic expression is a particular feature of the exhibition concept, which has been a yearly event in S12 since 2007.
Glass has an incredible ability to transform and renew itself. It can be shaped both cold and hot. It is neither liquid nor solid, but shares properties from both states. Glass can be transparent, reflect, transmit or absorb light. This broad range in the material is also reflected in this year’s artists, who represent a diversity of expressions, where themes such as emotions, form and cultural identity are examined from each individual’s unique perspective.
The artists participating are Charlotte Avigail Jutrem Cohen (NO/ISR), Marie Breyen Hauschildt (DK), Suh Moon Ju (KR), Joshua Kerley (GB), Maria Helena Nerhus (NO) og Kwun Lan Wong (HK).
Joshua Kerley makes objects that are inherently un-glass-like, and brings our thoughts in direction of other materials and expressions. He aims to reassess the traditional perceptions of glass technically, aesthetically, and materially. His works transcend traditional boundaries, arouse curiosity, and moreover, challenge our comprehension of the material world.
Marie Breyen Hauschildt has been working with the words “Something that comes out of something”, and investigating shapes and stories that somehow mimics the transformations of something that moves from one place to another. The result is a series of abstract sculptures that almost resembles living creatures.
Suh Moon Ju “Happiness Diary” is a series of sculptures, that focuses on the idea of ‘seeking and valuing happiness’. Moon Ju thinks that this focus on happiness, leads us to hide our true emotions and personalities in fear of being perceived as weak and vulnerable. Through these expressive sculptures Moon Ju is visualizing her own negative feelings by cutting and engraving the glass. Her expression is playful and influenced by kidult culture, where grown ups collect children’s toys.
Kwun Lan Wong also has a playful expression, and works with sculptures inspired by children’s books. Emotions and complex thoughts hide behind these figures made of delicate glass. Through the work “Wish I Was Not the Last One Left”, inspired by the mythical creature, Lo Ting, who is half fish and half human, Lan Wong explores belonging, and her cultural identity as a Hong Kong artist.
This is a theme also present in the works of the Norwegian-Israeli Charlotte Avigail Jutrem Cohen. In the work “Divided & Complete”, which has emerged from personal experiences, Jutrem Cohen examines multicultural belonging through a set of tableware – where each set is intended for different members of her own immediate family.
Maria Helena Nerhus creates 3-dimensional, atmospheric, sensuous and spacious works that invite the viewer to an aesthetic experience. Nerhus works with various mediums and materials such as 3D modeling, 1:1 constructions, light, sound and image, which she composes and with help of architectural methods creates a whole. In S12, she will awaken our senses through the sound and light installation Mystery X.