Image: G
Artistic Approaches to One Healthy Ocean
19.06.21, Arendal, Norway – The Bomuldsfabriken art gallery in Arendal, Norway, will host an ocean-themed exhibit titled the As Far as My Eye can Sea – Expedition that will showcase 62 artists commissioned for the REV Ocean research and expedition vessel and will provide the first opportunity for the public to view the art before it is installed on the 183-meter (600 ft) ship.
There are approximately 185 artworks curated for REV Ocean, which form a core element of the vessel’s DNA, and the hope is for this to be the starting point of a long-term art programme. 30% of the artworks are commissioned exclusively for the ship and help highlight topics related to REV Ocean’s mission of creating One Healthy Ocean.
Image: Tone Bjordam
REV Ocean is a unique research and expedition vessel equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, sonar systems, sampling, observation, mapping and communication equipment to conduct research that covers the entire marine ecosystem. Core science missions will focus on ocean challenges in three areas: Plastic pollution; climate change and ocean acidification; and overfishing and environmental impacts of fishing.
The art exhibit will run from June 19 – September 2021 in Arendal and feature young and emerging contemporary Norwegian artists who use diverse forms of expression, including painting, sculpture, mixed media and multimedia, with a common theme focused on ‘the ocean’. The works vary from figurative to abstract and intend to trigger emotions and stimulate conversations that link to REV Ocean’s goal of solving major ocean problems.
An important ethos in REV Ocean is to give opportunities to those who may struggle to get fair chances in life and to allow people to reach their full potential. In the context of the art programme this philosophy is helping raise awareness of Norwegian contemporary art and is intended to be a catalyst to push the boundaries of art, science and environmental solutions. The art collection is focused on promoting emerging artists who are based in or work in Norway and is intended to bring more attention to the work of these artists on the international stage.
The art is a vital contribution to achieve REV Ocean’s mission of going from ‘curiosity, to understanding, to solutions’. The vessel is a platform that offers a wide variety of stakeholders – researchers, innovators, decision-makers, business and civil society – to align with the goal of turning knowledge into ocean solutions. The art collection represents yet another meaningful way to help educate, inspire and motivate people to take action to help the ocean.
Image: Ragna Misvær Grønstad
We need to bring a range of different perspectives together in order to stimulate empathy for and constructive dialogue about the ocean. This art exhibit is an important part of this dialogue and a great way to foster positive action. We attempt to create strong links between art and science and inspire creativity and innovation to make the ocean healthy again. – Nina Jensen.
The artists’ perspectives on research and contemporary ocean issues are a key theme that runs through the collection, as well as a focus on interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. It is an exciting and thought-provoking exhibit that brings forward diverse ideas and aesthetic qualities. The hope is to stimulate curiosity, thoughts and emotions and give a unique perspective on how people can work together for ocean health.
We are grateful and enthusiastic about our collaboration with REV Ocean. The exhibition will be Bomuldsfabriken´s summer art exhibition, and we are working towards a grand opening in June. We hope that the art exhibition can inspire all minds and hearts to be more curious and get a better understanding of the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead for our ocean.’ – Tone Lyngstad Nyaas.
The Artistic Director of the REV Ocean Art Programme is Magne Furuholmen, and the Chief Curator is Åse Kamilla Spjelkavik Aslaksen. Together they have handpicked a unique collection of art that speaks directly to ocean sensitivity, is specifically designed for the vessel, and encompasses a wide variety of mediums from sound and video installations to textile, paintings, prints, photography and sculpture. In total, there are 62 artists; 32 female; 30 male; 13 with immigrant background; and 3 with Sami heritage.
“The REV Ocean collection and art programme are intended to reflect how artistic practices can offer unique and thoughtful insight to the condition of our world, and a recognition of art’s place in a dialogue on all important topics – in this case, the ever-growing concern for the state of our natural world, specifically the oceans and our wanton treatment of them. It also aims to reflect how many exciting artistic practices of today explore and collaborate closely with the scientific community.” Magne Furuholmen, artistic director REV ocean art programme.
About REV Ocean
Established in Fornebu, Norway in 2017, REV Ocean will enable a new generation of ocean solutions and raise awareness of global impacts on the marine environment. Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke launched the initiative with a clear vision to go further than anyone has before to address ocean challenges in three focal areas: Plastic pollution; climate change and ocean acidification; and overfishing and environmental impacts of fishing.
About the REV Ocean vessel
REV Ocean is a unique research and expedition vessel. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art sampling, observation, mapping and communication equipment to conduct research that covers the entire marine ecosystem, from the coastal zone to abyssal depths, and from polar regions to the tropics. www.revocean.org
About Bomuldsfabriken Kunsthall
Bomuldsfabriken Kunsthall is one of the region’s largest exhibition venues for contemporary art. The former textile factory from 1898 is located in scenic surroundings by Langsævannet, between E18 and Arendal center. It is part of the Culture Network in Arendal municipality and receives grants from the Ministry of Culture and Aust-Agder County Municipality. www.bomuldsfabriken.no/