Art writing in turbulent times
Dear CAS readers, dear friends,
As we embark on the summer holiday and Stavangerâs predictable 15-degree July days, itâs time to reflect on the spring weâve left behind and the fall that lies ahead of us.
Like many of you, we grapple with grave questions of late. How do we write about art in a time of oppression, epistemicide and the rise of the far right? What purpose does intellectualizing serve in the face of genocide? How do we critique extractivism from the oil-drenched streets of Norway? As we move into the autumn season, we will challenge ourselves to take clearer stances on these questions, looking at their nuances from CASâ own political cartography. We acknowledge that an active position is required, and will address this through both content and format as we update our digital platform this fall. We welcome this step forward, and anticipate bringing current formats and positions to our readers.
Last yearâs CAS Resident in Art Writing Natasha Marie Llorens contributed two texts this spring that address some of the questions we ask ourselves: the first, a deep dive into the impossibility of language in times of crisis, and the second, a interrogatory analysis of the possibility of decolonization in the cultural sphere. Through a collaboration with the NEB-STAR project, we also hosted writer, artist and interior architect Maike Statz for her residency in Stavanger. Statz' essay on unruly and (dis)functional bodies is a thought-provoking piece on inclusivity, and the text served as the basis for a workshop she hosted during the residency.
Choosing between a rich selection of international and local exhibitions this spring, we published reviews from the turmoiled Venice Biennale, and from the site-specific exhibition G â sannig tvil by Bryne kunstforening. Other current events from our region were also covered, such as the launch of a new permanent artwork at JĂžssingfjord Vitenmuseum, as well as interviews with the new director at Rogaland Kunstsenter, Valentina Martinez Mariscal, and others. If youâre scouting for more summer reads, the past months brought several long-form pieces, from interviews with artists Peter Morin and SynnĂžve Persen in our Art & Responsibility series to, most recently, an extensive conversation with artist Andreas Siqueland.
The first half of 2024 also brought structural changes to CAS. Director and Editor Astrid Helen Windingstad took a temporary sabbatical, leaving the chair to former CAS writer Sofie B. Ringstad. In addition, we were joined by our new board leader Line Noer, who brings her valuable editorial and journalistic experience to CAS. Welcome!
Weâre back with new texts in early August. Until then, enjoy summer, read when you can â and stay valiant against oppression.
In appreciation,