The Danish artist Nour Fog is Exploring Care, Gender, and the Origins of Life through Art

an interview by Carmen Line Hust
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The Danish artist Nour Fog (b. 1981), has captivated audiences with their thought-provoking and organic works that revolve around the themes of care, identity, and the origins of human life. In a recent interview, Nour shared insights into their creative process, inspirations, and the importance of breaking societal norms in art. Their upcoming exhibition, "Bulle du Monde”, traveling in the autumn of 2023 from Le Bicolore in Paris to Augustiana (Kunstpark & Kunsthal), promises to be a fascinating exploration of these powerful themes.

One of the defining characteristics of Nour's art is its reflection of the complexities of the world we live in. In the documentary "Bulle du Monde," Nour expressed how the current times, marked by violence, wars, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have shattered the illusion of constant safety and stability. This realization has driven Nour further to explore the theme of care, not just in relation to parenthood but in a broader sense, as a response to the challenging times we face.
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Nour's art is deeply influenced by their non-binary identity, which challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. Their works explore the fluidity of identity and the desire to transcend the limitations imposed by physical bodies, emphasizing the importance of allowing the brain to determine one's true self.

Throughout Nour's artistic journey, they have been captivated by the concept of the origin of life and its connections to identity development. This fascination with the primal and the unprejudiced newborn has led Nour to create artworks that evoke a sense of curiosity, development, and care. Their clay and ceramic sculptures, often presented in series, envelop the viewer and create a sensory experience akin to the womb, where identity is yet to be formed.
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Nour's works challenge the conventional norms surrounding parenthood in the art world. By focusing on the early stages of life, they introduce a unique perspective that encourages reflection and self-discovery. Nour's own experiences as a parent, including their child's epilepsy diagnosis, have further inspired them to delve into the themes of care and fragility, both on an individual and collective level.

As an artist, Nour balances between their artistic pursuits and the practical aspects of the profession. Their disciplined approach allows them to engage with the clay and immerse themselves in the creative process, even amid interruptions. Despite the challenges of exhibition and promotion, Nour remains committed to making art that is both universal and thought-provoking, leaving room for viewers to interpret and connect with their works in their own unique way.

Nour Fog's art is a testament to the power of care and the quest for identity amidst turbulent times. Through their exploration of gender, parenthood, and the origins of life, Nour invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions. As their upcoming exhibition "Bulle du Monde" travels to Augustiana in 2023, it promises to be an immersive and thought-provoking experience that encourages a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

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ARTICULATE 36 [extended personalities], is a magazine of contemporary art, packed with 70 pages of high quality content, showcasing the work of 5 professional artists, featuring the Danish artist Nour Fog, the Austrian sculpture artist Ulli Zerzer, painter Alex Garant, Brazilian urban activist Daniel Melim and Russian digital explorer Sergey Nehaev.

This interview with Nour Fog is part of the 36th magazine, ARTICULATE #36 | extended personalities. Read, download or order your print version of the full publication below.