Reminiscence / Resilience, Invited artist Bodø Biennale, Bodø Art Association (Copy)
Reminisence - Resilience consists of 14 photographs, an installation and newspaper articles. The title Reminisence - Resilience refers to memories (often unclear) of something that has been and our ability to handle memories and experiences. In more detail, the terms mean the following:
Reminisence: recollection, most often an unconscious echo of an experience or impression
Resilience: to be robust; psychological resilience, retaining mental strength and health despite stress and strain
The title lingers with a melancholy about something that has been and is gone. At the same time, it also contains a psychological depth in dealing with resistance and having mental strength.
Central to Einarsen's artistry is an exploration of identity and psychology, and human alienation is a recurring theme. In several of the works in the art project, Einarsen addresses current themes regarding place development that are important to the individual.
The images are a mixture of digital collages, staged images and pure documentary photos from abandoned places, natural/cultural landscapes, with traces of people, animals or industry. The recordings are made with a digital camera, and the images are processed in Photoshop where elements are added that support the action in the story.
The photographs take us to events or human interventions that have taken place. The welfare society, environmental challenges and transience are poetically illuminated. The theme of the photo series points to how the capitalist socio-economic system undermines the intention of sustainable development. The anonymity of the places frees the images' voice from belonging to a geographical area so that the questions that are illuminated will concern everyone.
The artist wants to create visual stories with her works that question her own and society's choices. With her poetic representations, the artist points to the human ability to adapt as a factor for hope. In its entirety, Reminisence – resilience will make us as spectators reflect on the consequences of development for each and every one of us.
Text:
Ingunn Milly Hansen & Elise Cosme Hoedemakers (edited/abridged by Grethe Irene Einarsen)
