Lofoten International Art Festival Explores Futures Through Science Fiction in Remote Arctic Setting
Since its inception in 1999, the Lofoten International Art Festival has been a biennial highlight, with the 2017 theme 'I Taste the Future' taking place in Henningsvær, Norway. Curated by Heidi Ballet and Milena Høgsberg, this exhibition explores life 150 years into the future through a science fiction lens, focusing on local concerns such as oil drilling and fishing. Approximately 20 artists are involved, with half presenting new video and performance pieces. Notable works include Adam Linder's 'To Gear a Joan' (2017) and the video 'Museum Futures: Distributed' (2008) by Marysia Lewandowska and Neil Cummings. Each September, the festival, based at Trevarefabrikken, draws thousands to this fishing village of 460 inhabitants, encouraging contemplation of its history and future.
Key facts
- Lofoten International Art Festival runs biennially since 1999
- 2017 edition titled 'I Taste the Future' curated by Heidi Ballet and Milena Høgsberg
- Takes place on Henningsvær island in Norway's Arctic archipelago
- Centered around Trevarefabrikken factory-turned-creative space
- Features approximately 20 artists with half being new commissions
- Engages science fiction to imagine the region 150 years in the future
- Addresses local issues including oil drilling restrictions and fishing industries
- Includes works by Adam Linder, Ho Tzu Nyen, and Lili Reynaud-Dewar
Entities
Artists
- Heidi Ballet
- Milena Høgsberg
- Adam Linder
- Stine Janvin Motland
- Marysia Lewandowska
- Neil Cummings
- Ho Tzu Nyen
- Fabrizio Terranova
- Lili Reynaud-Dewar
- Silje Figenschou Thoresen
- Filip Van Dingenen
- Daisuke Kosugi
- Caspar David Friedrich
- Donna Haraway
Institutions
- Lofoten International Art Festival
- Trevarefabrikken
- Moderna Museet
- ArtReview
Locations
- Henningsvær
- Norway
- Lofoten
- Arctic circle
- Nordbrygga
- Henningsvær Stadion