Marathon and graffiti in the rain
A wet and grey morning welcomes us to the BOB gallery today, everybody seems to be quite tired but the smell of coffee, tea and fresh bread encourages us to gather around the table and see some examples of previous projects for an art marathon.
The art marathon is a special day to recognize the artistic skills of the neighbors in Bergsjön. We discuss about how to collaborate with this activity and realized that our final projects can be linked to this marathon, even though it is not strictly necessary. We also told the class our first ideas about the projects we would like to do and set up appointments to discuss them next week.
Then comes the afternoon with a discussion about public art, especially graffiti. We go deeper in terms of the difference between legitimized public art forms, e.g. murals, and graffiti; as well as the way it is perceived and if it needs some opposition to be considered as a form of art. The discussion continues informally after the lecture until the group becomes divided, some people attend a concert in the church, some others are interested in a lecture about urban planning at the City Museum.
It seems that the group feels more comfortable with each other. Probably the coldness of the day is being replaced by warm friendship.
7/6/10
Sat. June 12, 2010
Kviberg Market is a weekend market with service providers like cloth tailoring service, and goods range from electronics to antique to fresh produce, it locates in Kviberg, Gothenburg. The shops are mostly run by and shop by ethnic locals. The significant of this market is not just a place where one can buy wide range of things for low price, it's also a meeting place for the locals and a source of income for many locals. There is a plan for its closure due to urban development. The market consists of several beautiful barns with outdoor shops during warmer seasons. The feeling I had is a street market feel, a local market that does not run by chain stores, personally I love this kind of markets as it has more lives and interesting various goods.
Wattanai Chanakot
Wattanai Chanakot
Friday, June 11, 2010
A guest lecture by artist Frida Yngström raised interesting questions, not least about the border between (political) art and (non-art) politics. Interestingly enough, the distinction between the two seemed to be less important to artists than to other actors and institutions. Frida herself claimed to be pretty uninterested in the issue, which I guess you could say goes for myself as well. To the government of Belarus and the municipality of Göteborg, however, the drawing of that line proved to be all the more important. Frida told us of how, when entering Belarus, she made sure not to mention that she was there to make art, as this might not be appreciated by the regime. In Göteborg, on the other hand, it apparently was important to label what you do as “art”; otherwise, the posters put up around the city in one of Frida’s projects could be seen as violating the zero tolerance policy for graffiti and illegal posters adopted by the municipality, and might be removed by the authorities.
Another example that I found almost too strange was believe came from another project of Frida’s. In one project she worked with illegal aliens in Gothenburg. At the end of the project, these refugees were given papers stating that they had been involved in an art project with the Valand school of fine arts. According to Frida, this could be interpreted as a sign that these people had “interacted with Swedish society”, which might mean that they stood better chances of being given residence permits.
Bizarre as these anecdotes may be, at least I’m glad that the main advocates for this pedantic hair-splitting concerning something’s status as art or non-art did not come from artists themselves, but from forces outside the art world. This just puts one more weapon at the disposal of the artist: deciding whether to call something art or not can actually be an aesthetic – not to mention a political – tool.
Johan Landgren
Another example that I found almost too strange was believe came from another project of Frida’s. In one project she worked with illegal aliens in Gothenburg. At the end of the project, these refugees were given papers stating that they had been involved in an art project with the Valand school of fine arts. According to Frida, this could be interpreted as a sign that these people had “interacted with Swedish society”, which might mean that they stood better chances of being given residence permits.
Bizarre as these anecdotes may be, at least I’m glad that the main advocates for this pedantic hair-splitting concerning something’s status as art or non-art did not come from artists themselves, but from forces outside the art world. This just puts one more weapon at the disposal of the artist: deciding whether to call something art or not can actually be an aesthetic – not to mention a political – tool.
Johan Landgren
Wednesday June 9, 2010
On the move. Wednesday.
Nothing is moving but the tram. And the rain.
Guests Fadume and Zdenka from the Women’s Center in Bergsjon. I want to ask about limits, but I’lI save my thoughts and look at the footprints.
Kyala tell us about his artwork. Spirit and chess. It leans out of the pictures. I like that.
Then by car to Hammarkullen and Angered. We hear about the UN children’s convention. Solid good work. Smart kids.
We pass the estrella factory and I remember that I wanted to work there when I was a child.
Later on: I don’t anymore.
Arrival: Angered
Blå stället is a word game with the Swedish word for blåställ: workingclass working clothes. I didn’t know that. Although I always wondered why it is called blå ( blue) stället (place).
Blue is the color of the conservatives. Here.
My mother says red is the color of blood. I disagree.
Red are the cheap tomatoes in angered centrum. My head is full. Content.
New knowledge. Good knowledge – the color of peace is green.
I wish for Yoko Ono to come and plant a Wish tree here in Bergsjön. It would grow gracefully and strong here. Next to the Kulturhus.
Both so needed. And both would suit perfectly.
Nothing is moving but the tram. And the rain.
Guests Fadume and Zdenka from the Women’s Center in Bergsjon. I want to ask about limits, but I’lI save my thoughts and look at the footprints.
Kyala tell us about his artwork. Spirit and chess. It leans out of the pictures. I like that.
Then by car to Hammarkullen and Angered. We hear about the UN children’s convention. Solid good work. Smart kids.
We pass the estrella factory and I remember that I wanted to work there when I was a child.
Later on: I don’t anymore.
Arrival: Angered
Blå stället is a word game with the Swedish word for blåställ: workingclass working clothes. I didn’t know that. Although I always wondered why it is called blå ( blue) stället (place).
Blue is the color of the conservatives. Here.
My mother says red is the color of blood. I disagree.
Red are the cheap tomatoes in angered centrum. My head is full. Content.
New knowledge. Good knowledge – the color of peace is green.
I wish for Yoko Ono to come and plant a Wish tree here in Bergsjön. It would grow gracefully and strong here. Next to the Kulturhus.
Both so needed. And both would suit perfectly.
Tuesday June 8, 2010
Tuesday morning: Mr. Haky Jasim gave a presentation about his art practice and BOB Gallery. I was so excited to meet him and hear about his art – especially because I knew that he was an art student in Belgrade during old Yugoslavia. I also enjoyed very much speaking with him in Serbian; I almost felt that I am at home.
In the afternoon, for the first time, I was a translator from Bosnian to English when we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Mr. Salih Mojecinovi, an interesting artist from Bosnia. He made eight incredible Mosques which were inspired by his dreams. It is hard to imagine how much time and patience he spent building each one…small piece by small piece. Detail by detail… You could conclude that he has great faith. We all respected and admired his art.
After this amazing and miraculous experience, we were guests of Mr. Soran Kerim, an artist who came from Iraq. He welcomed us with a warm-heart and presented to us his paintings, drawings and sculptures. I liked his sculptures the most – and how he played violin for us. Also, he gave us honest advice about art and life.
We had such a memorable experience today, we entered private lives and hearts.
I feel that I am very lucky to discover the precious sparkles of Bergsjön.
Dragana
In the afternoon, for the first time, I was a translator from Bosnian to English when we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Mr. Salih Mojecinovi, an interesting artist from Bosnia. He made eight incredible Mosques which were inspired by his dreams. It is hard to imagine how much time and patience he spent building each one…small piece by small piece. Detail by detail… You could conclude that he has great faith. We all respected and admired his art.
After this amazing and miraculous experience, we were guests of Mr. Soran Kerim, an artist who came from Iraq. He welcomed us with a warm-heart and presented to us his paintings, drawings and sculptures. I liked his sculptures the most – and how he played violin for us. Also, he gave us honest advice about art and life.
We had such a memorable experience today, we entered private lives and hearts.
I feel that I am very lucky to discover the precious sparkles of Bergsjön.
Dragana
Monday, June 7th 2010
Dear Blog,
Today was my first formal meeting with the class at our “home base”, Galerie BOB. The weekend trip to Alma Lov was a nice precursor in that we had a chance to familiarize ourselves with one another in a casual environment. That was great for presentations today because usually I am terrified of “public speaking”, but I actually felt pretty comfortable with our group. Through the presentations we got a chance to learn about each other’s previous works, current trajectories, potential projects, favorite colors; all very exciting.
Asa Riestola visited us after lunch to provide some information regarding the inception, development, and current state of Bergsjon. She had an interesting insight into the issues surrounding life in Bergsjon, considering her background in architecture, (sub)urban planning, social/cultural integration, and art for social change. Also, her accent was extremely awesome.
Next we went to the local church/community center for a guided tour with Nadja. I had my first fika (birch beer with candy cigarettes) and we learned that the church may or may not be harboring illegal immigrants. An attractive Ethiopian woman was pressured into singing for us and a possible Jesus mural project arose…
Overall, I am optimistic of my choice in coming to Bergsjon, the curriculum, faculty and peers, etc. While it is evident there are some overlapping interests, the disparate backgrounds, perspectives, and agendas we represent are most exciting for me. There is a generous spirit amongst the members of our class, and I am looking forward to sharing and learning within such a diverse and passionate group. Hooray!
Sincerely,
Alex
Today was my first formal meeting with the class at our “home base”, Galerie BOB. The weekend trip to Alma Lov was a nice precursor in that we had a chance to familiarize ourselves with one another in a casual environment. That was great for presentations today because usually I am terrified of “public speaking”, but I actually felt pretty comfortable with our group. Through the presentations we got a chance to learn about each other’s previous works, current trajectories, potential projects, favorite colors; all very exciting.
Asa Riestola visited us after lunch to provide some information regarding the inception, development, and current state of Bergsjon. She had an interesting insight into the issues surrounding life in Bergsjon, considering her background in architecture, (sub)urban planning, social/cultural integration, and art for social change. Also, her accent was extremely awesome.
Next we went to the local church/community center for a guided tour with Nadja. I had my first fika (birch beer with candy cigarettes) and we learned that the church may or may not be harboring illegal immigrants. An attractive Ethiopian woman was pressured into singing for us and a possible Jesus mural project arose…
Overall, I am optimistic of my choice in coming to Bergsjon, the curriculum, faculty and peers, etc. While it is evident there are some overlapping interests, the disparate backgrounds, perspectives, and agendas we represent are most exciting for me. There is a generous spirit amongst the members of our class, and I am looking forward to sharing and learning within such a diverse and passionate group. Hooray!
Sincerely,
Alex
Sat. June 5, 2010
Today is Saturday 05 June 2010.
Later, after dinner and having some coffee (and talking about everything and nothing,) we went to the hotel. It was a very nice house surrounded by beautiful views, flowers, trees, and cows. Sleeping there I thought of us all as reaching out for our dreams, and bringing them closer and closer to our hearts.
We woke up the next morning to sunshine and continued our conversations about Alma Lov and the artists we met the day before. We ate breakfast in a big, bright room. After that was the lake adventure. We took a long walk through a big forest, and then had fun discussing who would jump in first for a swim. For me it was impossible, coming from a warm country to swim in a cold, cold lake. Others took the challenge and did it ... everybody was happy and enjoyed the trip. So thanks very much Amanda for this opportunity to open ourselves in different ways to each other.
Written by Saida Bayoucefi
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