Breaking down the wall





Motivation Letter
I'm writing to apply for the "(Be) the change" open call. I'm Minseo Kwon from South Korea, and I have been living in Norway since 2017. Currently, I am studying for an MA in Art and Public Space at KHiO.
I am intrigued by the new urban architectural landscape of Bjørvika, called the Barcode Project, and the contrasting journey of the urban island-like Losæter. I believe it is the projects that intersect, explore, and experiment with nature, agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement, for example, that make Bjørvika so colorful. That's why I'm excited about the opportunity to participate in this open call.
I would like to contribute to this open call inspired by my upbringing in a planned city near Seoul, South Korea, similar to Bjørvika. Growing up in a planned city was typical in South Korea, especially in a mega-city like Seoul, where there's a constant need for housing. My parents, like many others, moved to a planned city when they got married or had a baby. So, my entire childhood was spent in such an environment before moving to Norway. Coming from a big city, I wonder about the knowledge I bring and how it contributes to shaping this city. Due to my background, Bjørvika feels nostalgic and like home to me. As I explored Bjørvika, it reminded me of my childhood, prompting me to reflect on what I wanted and missed from my upbringing.
As an artist, I work through various media forms. It ranges from installation, new media, drawing, and conceptual works. In my work, I explore material qualities throughout my different projects, where the project calls for what and which material and shape takes form, making every project unique. Themes I've worked with vary from nature, identity, and the phenomena of things themselves. The process begins when moments in my daily life inspire me to capture, explore, and gradually expand it to a story of its own.
I'm interested in cycles through evolution. For example, in 2015, 50 farmers brought soil from their farms and donated it to Losæter, making history as a new cycle of nature. We start from the soil; we will return to the soil and start again, and I think the soil contains the history and evolution of our species. In that sense, I think Losæter is a great place to exhibit my work, to introduce my ideas to new people and communities, and to provoke discussions about art and humanity discourse.
I hope you'll consider my work! And hope to hear from you soon.



Project Description
The interaction between the exhibition space and the artwork is very important to me. I prefer the space to correspond to the work, and for the work to fill the space. It would be more interesting if the exhibition location existed as part of the work rather than just as a background. Creating work that responds to its environment transforms the exhibition space from a passive backdrop into an active participant in the display.

As an artist and a student of public art, I find this dynamic engagement with space fascinating.

During my first visit to Losæter, I heard about plans for a nearby high school construction project, but at the time, construction hadn't begun in earnest, so Losæter was easily accessible from all sides. However, when I visited there recently, the construction was in full swing, and around Losæter looked markedly different. Construction barriers surrounded the entire area, making access difficult and creating the impression that Losæter was isolated.

As many are aware, Bjørvika has transformed in recent years from an industrial and port area into a modern city known for projects like the Barcode. Amidst such changes, Losæter has become one of the most intriguing spots in Oslo, resembling a unique island amidst the concrete structures of the Bjørvika area. However, recent developments have made Losæter feel like an isolated island due to the construction.

That's why I intend to utilize these construction barriers for my work. I plan to use pictograms commonly seen in construction sites to represent Losæter. By employing pictogram techniques, I aim to raise awareness of Losæter and enrich the urban landscape. By incorporating various construction site pictograms, I hope to not only increase the expression around the Losæter but also contribute to making the urban space more vibrant. Through this, I hope to move Losæter away from being perceived as an isolated island within the construction site at the moment and instead integrate it more dynamically into the city's vitality.





Timeline
1 - 20th May, Making a art work
21 - 26th May, Installation Period
29 - 30th May, Public presentation

Location: Outdoor or indoor at Losæter