The Orkanen Library has to be one of my favourite places in Malmö. Its scenic views over the canal, offering a smorgasbord of some of the most impressive architectural buildings in the city, are simply breathtaking! On the evening of Oct. 17, this already inspirational place became even more vibrant when the clock hit 1600. It was the vernissage at the Students’ Art Gallery, exhibition #36. As one of the exhibitors displaying my cat sculptures, I felt the rush of excitement entering a space brimming with talents and artistic expressions.
The exhib
ition was a collaboration between the library and the Student Union. Initially, I discovered the open call through a post on Malmö University’s website, and the application process was straightforward via email. Only ten artists would be selected, I was informed. When Sam Ian McCarthy, one of our peers who studies in the same program as me, texted the good news, I learned that we both got spots to display our artwork.
Having my sculptures displayed in such a beautiful venue was thrilling, but another highlight was seeing Sam’s stunning photography from his recent project in Makahanda, South Africa, titled Ten Minute Town / Place Text Place Moves.
Since my focus is on digital artivism in this group blog, his work is certainly worth featuring as it combines all the essential elements. Moreover, his photographs help raise awareness to viewers on this side of the globe of important issues within the Makhanda community. I was particularly moved by his image of a person wrapped in plastic bags. During our phone text exchange, he explained that this performance, created by a local performer, Christelle, took place in front of the high court. “The bags represent a female queer footballer who was brutally killed and discarded by a group of men a few years ago in South Africa,” he shared.
Although Sam couldn’t make it to the pre-opening event, I had the chance to meet professors Mikael Rundberg and Anders Høg Hansen, who were also involved in the project and responsible for live streaming and video documentation. Watching Mikael and Anders browse the photographs from their research trip, I found myself caught up in their contemplation and forgot to ask more about their reflections. However, Mikael was quick to remind me that this art exhibition was perfect for an interaction post. Anders, on the other hand, was surprised that I hadn’t mentioned being one of the featured artists earlier. He even snapped a photo of me adjusting a piece of my sculpture that had come loose during transportation—it became the best capture of me from the event.
Finally, not only do I invite you to check out the exhibition, but I am giving a shout-out to all artists studying at the university—regardless of their program—to participate in future open calls. These opportunities are typically announced on the university’s official Instagram account or website. It’s truly a fantastic chance to expose your work to thoughtful audiences and connect with fellow creatives.
Let’s Connect & Reflect!
Art has an unique way to engage with our thoughts, feeling and ideas. It can tell us stories without words and show us perspectives we might never have encountered otherwise. Exhibitions like this one at Orkanen Library let us step out of our routines and really consider what each piece is trying to say. As you explore the exhibition at Orkanen or at any other, we invite you to reflect on some of these questions that might help you connect more deeply with the art and the ideas behind it:
- How does seeing artwork in person change your perception compared to viewing it online?
- How does the environment of the exhibition space itself influence your experience of the artwork?
- What messages or themes resonate with you the most?
- In what ways (if even) can art from diverse backgrounds, (like the works at The Orkanen Library), challenge our understanding of global and local issues?
- Can art influence or expand your views on social issues or personal beliefs? And if yes than in which ways?
- What was your most impactful art experience? How did it make you feel?
–> We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, so DO JOIN US in conversation and share your thoughts with us! 🙂
The exhibition at The Orkanen Library will continue throughout the fall semester and is open to everyone.
Follow the Orkanen Library on Instagram (@malmo_uni_lib)
Image Credits: Top – Professor Mikael Rundberg in front of Sam Ian McCarthy’s photo display. Photo by Percy Chang. Bottom – Percy Chang with her cat sculpture. Photo by Anders Høg Hansen.
<<The post was created in collaboration with all of the blog group members.>>
