Sanna Helena Berger. The edge must be scalloped

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all images courtesy of the artist and Diorama, Oslo

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The particular context and dynamics of art viewing brings about a heightened sense of self in the viewer; she tends to feel as much on display as the objects that surround her. This observation should ring familiar to anyone who frequent contemporary art events and venues with any regularity. For her exhibition The edge must be scalloped at Diorama, SANNA HELENA BERGER has created a situation that aims to provoke and intensify precisely this alternation between scrutinizing and coming under scrutiny that signifies our interaction with art.

Rather than the evisceration of the viewing body’s carnal aspects—a desired effect famously attributed to the white cube construct by BRIAN O’DOHERTY—what the carefully honed atmosphere we encounter in art venues actually produce, experientially speaking, is physical discomfort. We’ve all seen it and tried to pull it off : the pretense of ease. Most would testify that to be in the presence of art, whether it’s a daytime visit to a museum or going to an opening, is tethered to a nagging feeling of exposure. What is inspired by art displays and their attending rituals, is not an interrogation after the meaning or value of the intentionally crafted and displayed works, but a questioning of the claim to importance of the sweaty-palmed inter- rogator him- or herself—in short: self-doubt.

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The edge must be scalloped by SANNA HELENA BERGER was on view from April 1 to April 29, 2016 at Diorama in Oslo.

*excerpt from the press release



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