Svein Flygari Johansen is exhibiting for the first time in the UK with his solo show, ‘Am I making up what really happened?’ at Beaconfield gallery, London. The exhibition runs from 11 November to 12 February 2012
Johansen’s work links themes of indigenous culture, capitalist meltdown, patriotism and global politics with materials ranging from sticks and stones to complex computer programming. Code for all Flygari's digital works is written by Jonny Bradley with whom he has collaborated since 2001.
Water is a motif that runs through Flygari’s artworks: his local Alta-Kautokeino waterway was the site of the only instance of civil unrest in Norway's recent history: a political controversy in 1978 that centred around Sámi land rights and had a huge impact on the national psyche. The disjunction between ancient and contemporary cultural identities is a recurring focus for his work and several earlier pieces on the theme will be recreated for this exhibition, to complement a major new commission.
Svein Flygari Johansen has had significant influence as an artist and curator in Norway. As part of the project, Flygari has invited younger artists Frode Halvorsen and Jorid Levke Eide to make new work for the ongoing FlatScreen programme in Beaconsfield's canteen gallery.
Svein Flygari Johansen
‘Am I making up what really happened?’
11 Nov. – 12 Feb. Thursday–Sunday 11am-5pm
Beaconsfield
22 Newport Street
London SE11 6AY