An new exhibition at MOT International presents the collaborative practice of Norwegian artist Stian Ådlandsvik and German Lutz-Rainer Müller, where a fortune teller’s predictions decide the resulting installation.
MOT International in Regent Studios in London is known for showing the work of high profile artists as well as introducing practices that have not been seen before in the UK. Recently, Stian Ådlandsvik and Lutz-Rainer Müller held a residency at Kunstnernes Hus Oslo in which they elaborated part of the solo-project that will also be at the heart of their London show, which will unfold over a period of three months from July and launch on 24 September.
Ådlandsvik and Müller decided to produce models of their arms to metaphorically replace the artists’ body parts in the decision making process towards the exhibition. Therefore Müller’s left arm and Ådlandsvik’s right arm underwent a medical CT-scan. The images gathered were used to make a 3D-model of the bones of each arm. These models have then been printed to get an exact plastic duplicate of both arms.
A fortune-teller will be hired to consult with the artist about what the bones could tell about a prospective exhibition in the space. This event will be documented and the bones will stay present in the gallery throughout the summer. However, the production and presentation of the resulting installation, which departs from the interpretation given by the fortune-teller, will take place in September and culminate with a public opening.
This project by Ådlandsvik and Müller, which is entitled 'Still Life...' seems to be taking away all contemplation about their individual artistic collaboration, since a great part of the decision making for the final installation is given to the fortune teller. Besides questioning collaboration in a metaphorical way, the artists are interested in the contrast of utilising both scientific medical engineering and the wisdom of a fortune-teller. In a way, the work will be a “drawing” of communication between technological opposites from contrasting believes, a setting not uncommon to contemporary societies.
Stian Ådlandsvik was born in Bergen in 1981. He has studied art at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo, Hochschule für bildende Künste in Hamburg, and Rogaland School of Art in Stavanger. Today, he lives and works in Oslo, and has had several exhibitions in Norway and Germany. Earlier in 2010 he participated in the exhibition ‘Unfinished Business’ at the Waterside Project Space in London. Ådlandsvik is represented by Erik Steen Gallery.
Stian Ådlandsvik and Lutz-Rainer Müller
'Still life...'
Curated by Wiebke Gronemeyer
Mot International
54 Regents Studios
8 Andrews Road
London E8 4QN