Niklas Gjersøe is Embracing Aesthetic Awareness in Our Dynamic Everyday Lives - 4 WALLS UNIFIED |
an article by Carmen Line Hust
In our fast-paced lives, filled with routines and responsibilities, it's easy to overlook the inherent beauty that surrounds us. The claim that aesthetics exist everywhere may seem bold, but it's a matter of training our eyes to see the artistry in our daily existence. This sentiment is at the heart of the exhibition "4WALLS UNIFIED," where Niklas Gjersøe (b. 1994) seeks to shed light on the untapped potential that envelops us in our ordinary lives. From the moment we wake up until we retire to bed, we traverse a diverse tapestry of spaces. Walking, running, cycling, or driving, we pass by an array of shapes, colors, textures, and expressions. Each of these elements carries intrinsic value, waiting to be discovered and appreciated. The exhibition's focus on four distinct locations aims to draw attention to these daily environments that often go unnoticed amid the chaos of our routines. Esbjerg Ensemble & Lantmännen Cerealia
Landscape, nature, architecture, machinery, and music are identified as pivotal components contributing to the creation of an ever-changing aesthetic that envelops us. Through the lens of Gjersøe's work, we are invited to recognize and appreciate the dynamism that these elements bring to our modern existence.
The four chosen locations hold significance not only for their visual appeal but also for their roles within the surrounding communities. Through a combination of videography and musical aesthetics, the exhibition seeks to evoke contemplation and emotions about places that foster a sense of presence. In these spaces, we find reflections of ourselves and the shared experiences that unite us, encouraging a deeper connection with our surroundings. Gjersøe issues a compelling call to action: a plea to direct our attention towards our immediate environment. Whether it's the quiet solitude of a morning kayak ride, the contemplative moments during a bike commute, or the immersive experience of one's artistic process, the suggestion is clear—curiosity breeds creativity. By adopting a fresh perspective on our everyday lives, we have the potential to collectively transition towards a more engaged and present existence. This shift extends beyond personal experiences to encompass broader societal development. Gjersøe believes that a more inquisitive outlook can lead to increased creativity, fostering a community that is more attuned to the intricacies of daily life. The vision is one where the focus shifts from the detached, consuming mass communication on our electronic devices to an active, exploratory curiosity within our local communities.
In a world often dominated by the digital and the distant, "4WALLS UNIFIED" serves as a poignant reminder to pause, observe, and appreciate the aesthetic richness embedded in our immediate surroundings. The exhibition encourages us to reevaluate our perceptions, fostering a collective movement towards a more aware and connected way of living—one where the beauty of our dynamic everyday lives is not just acknowledged but celebrated. The abstract video and sound universe 4WALLS UNIFIED is based on four selected places with special value and significance for the surrounding communities:
Vejle Music and Culture School, the 'Cabin Town' for the previously homeless, the company Lantmännen Cerealia, and the Kayak Club at Vejle Marina. Niklas Gjersøe, in collaboration with participating associations, residents, and employees, developed the artwork 4WALLS UNIFIED. By involving citizens from Vejle in his work process, Niklas Gjersøe has created a piece that encourages reflections and emotions about places that foster presence and community. The artwork's four walls mirror the world we live in and emphasize the importance of what's communal and intimate in our everyday lives. The piece also investigates new ways of presenting contemporary music and art to the audience, as it spans both the realms of music and visual arts. 4WALLS UNIFIED is uniquely influenced both from the outside-in and from the inside-out: During the creation process leading up to the exhibition's opening, the artist was in constant dialogue with local communities. The visual side of the artwork is based on video recordings from the aforementioned places in Vejle. The audio side is based on musical improvisations from videographic compositions, performed and recorded live in front of an audience at four different video concerts. During these concerts, talented students from Vejle Music School, vocalist Audrey Chen, Esbjerg Ensemble, and flutist Stine Benjaminsen improvised. Niklas Gjersøe finally combined both video material and improvisations from the concerts into four abstract sound artworks, which play in a loop in four different visual and audio tracks. Along the way, new connections and communities emerge between the audience, local places, and the participating actors, reflecting intimacy and the environments that bind us together. During these concerts, talented students from Vejle Music School, vocalist Audrey Chen, Esbjerg Ensemble, and flutist Stine Benjaminsen improvised. Stine Benjaminsen Audrey Chen Esbjerg Ensemble ARTICULATE promote
This article about the instalation 4WALLS UNIFIED by Niklas Gjersøe is part of the ARTICULATE promote programme. Read similar articles from the programme below.
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