ART CITIES:Oslo,Poor Art-Rich Legacy
The exhibition “Poor Art – Rich Legacy: Arte Povera and Parallel Practices 1968–2015” is based on most significant works from the Norwegian National Museum’s Collection of Contemporary Art. This thematic exhibition concentrates on the Arte Povera Movement. The exhibition includes also examples of related Contemporary practices such as Conceptual Art, Land Art and Post-Minimalism. It also features recent works that illustrate how the art debates of the ‘60s have influenced younger generations of artists.
By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Museum of Contemporary Art Oslo Archive
By positioning themselves in open critic with contemporary society, Arte Povera artists trigged the most significant and influential Avant-Garde movement to emerge in Europe in the ‘60s. Their work sought to mirror and call into question the current state of things while expressing a general opposition to consumerism and the increasing commercialization of the art world, they exploited contemporary forms of expression such as Happenings and Installation Art to the fullest extent. The rich legacy of Arte Povera’s influence resonates clearly in a number of more recent Norwegian and international works of art. Arte Povera’s conceptual views, approach to materials and working processes have influenced Contemporary artists for the past 40 years. This is reflected in the exhibition, which includes both acquisitions of significant Arte Povera works, as well as related practices within Land Art, Post-Minimalism and Conceptual Art. The rich legacy of Arte Povera’s influence resonates clearly in a number of more recent Norwegian and international works of art. The Viewers have the opportunity to become reacquainted with Gilberto Zorio’s installation “Untitled (Canoe)”, as well as Michelangelo Pistoletto’s notorious installation “Image and Body”, consisting of old museum furniture that has been turned upside down. The audience will also be able to experience Mario Merz’s “Spostamenti della terra e della luna su un asse”, a large glass and neon installation with fragrant twigs. The museum’s permanent installations are also part of the exhibition, the visitor can view Richard Serra’s sculpture “Shaft”, Per Inge Bjørlo’s installation “Inner Room V”, Ilya Kabakov’s installation “Garbage Man (The Man Who Never Threw Anything Away” and Louise Bourgeois’ “Cell VIII”.
Info: Curators: Sabrina van der Ley, Randi Godø and Andrea Kroksnes. The Museum of Contemporary Art Oslo, Bankplassen 4, Oslo, Duration: 13/3-14/8/16, Days & Hours: Tue-Wed & Fri 11:00-17:00, Thu 11:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-19:00, www.nasjonalmuseet.no
