Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

OBFUSCATED BUOYANCY – A PHOTOGRAPHIC ART EXHIBITION PRESENTING THE LOFOTEN MOUNTAINS  (LOFARTEXSTO)

Outline
The proposed activity consists of a photographic art exhibition taking place in a professional art gallery in central Stockholm for the duration for two weeks; 14-29 April 2007. The exhibited images display mountainous landscapes photographed on the Lofoten Islands, Norway, in February 2007 by visual artists Linda Sim (AUS, www.lindasim.com) and Joakim Hansson (FI). At this point it should be noted that the works are not “typically photographic” in nature, but rather an abstract interpretation of an anonymous polar region (see examples below) which invite the viewer to engage with this unique environment on a more personal level. Local community awareness is the main objective of this project, which is described more detailed in point 1.6. Since the gallery is facing a busy city park, not only members of the arts community, but also a lot of bypassers can be expected to visit the exhibition. We also seek to host other smaller IPY events, such as talks and lectures inside the gallery during the exhibition period in order to attract different audiences and cross-promote the events. We hope for IPY’s help in sourcing such. Finally we would like to see this activity recognized by and listed under the IPY umbrella. Of course we would include the IPY logo in all documentation and advertising and do not seek any financial contribution.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The exhibition will share the visual environment and atmosphere characteristic for polar regions with the local community, of which the general majority has not been fortunate enough to visit such surroundings. The artists aim to generate awareness and interest for this fragile environment by connecting to their audience on an artistic level. If other smaller IPY events could also be arranged to take place in the gallery throughout the exhibition period, it would allow people from different backgrounds and engagements with the polar regions to exchange ideas and concerns amongst each other.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Joakim Hansson (Finland) and Linda Sim (Australia, currently living in Sweden) are presenting artwork interpreting the Norwegian mountain landscape of the Lofoten Islands in Stockholm, Sweden. There has also been a request to bring the exhibition to Rovaniemi, Finland.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
no field work [the exhibition will be held at Galleri Ikon, Skånegatan 81, 116 35 Stockholm, Sweden. The artwork was created in the Lofoten Islands, Norway in February 2007.]

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The only facility required will be the exhibition space at Galleri Ikon, which has been rented from 14-29 April 2007. This venue could be shared with other smaller relating IPY events to take place inside the gallery during the exhibition period!

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Another national polar operator
Own support

The artists are investing their own money to finance the exhibition, although there might also be financial support through the Nordic Culture Fund (not yet confirmed).

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This art exhibition is an autonomous project taking place over the period of 2 weeks only, but may possibly be repeated in Rovaniemi, Finland at a later date.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The artists Linda Sim and Joakim Hansson are responsible for the following: -Creation of artwork -Installation/dismantling of exhibition The owner of Galleri Ikon, Nina Grundmark, is responsible for the following: -Promotion of exhibition -Hosting of Vernissage/exhibition opening -Staffing and maintenance of premises -Sale of artwork

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The Vernissage on Saturday, 14/04/2007, 12-4pm will be advertised and open to the public; otherwise no special programs are planned. Hopefully we will also be able to host other IPY events inside the gallery during the exhibition period. Also see point 1.6.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All relevant exhibition data will be maintained by Nina Grundmark and will be made available to the community via public advertising of the exhibition, on the gallery’s website and/or inside/outside the gallery premises.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The artists are covering the exhibition cost themselves, although there might also be financial support through the Nordic Culture Fund (not yet confirmed).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Linda Sim
2228, Blekholmstorget 22
Stockholm
111 64
Sweden

Tel:
Mobile: +46 (0)70 443 6261
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation