BERGHALL statement
OLGA BERGMANN - selected works & ANNA HALLIN - selected works
Berghall is a team based in Reykavik, Iceland and is an ongoing collaboration
between artists Olga Bergmann and Anna Hallin.
We have exhibited our works in museums and galleries in Iceland and abroad and participated in several projects independently as well as a team.
Since 2005 we have collaborated on several exhibition projects as well as public art projects. We work in a variety of media and use installation, sculpture, ceramics, photography, film and drawings in our works.
The sources for the research and thought processes that are the foundation of our works are inspired by human-nature relationships, biology, genetics, evolutionary processes, historical and site specific elements, social structures and social behavior as well as studies of behavior and movement patterns in people and animals. Space and location is an essential aspect in the realization of all our projects.
As artists we share an interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches in realizing projects and have collaborated on several works with architects, scientists, actors, musicians and other artists over the years. We believe that for art in public space to be successful an interdisciplinary approach and thorough research of the environment and context the work grows out of is essential. We also believe that an early dialogue if possible with the architects of the building is of great importance in the creative process.
It is also important from the start of a project to establish an understanding of the purpose and function of the building and the character of its spaces as well as knowledge of who are its users/public.
Art in public space can be a multitude of things but essentially public art complies with different rules than gallery or museum art. The purpose of art in public space is to be thought provoking and accessible so that it engages the public and the spaces that it is present in and encourages people to experience their environment more fully and from unexpected vantage points.
Art in public space conducts constant dialogue with the public and needs to incorporate the element of a growing presence as a permanent feature in space rather than providing a temporary or fleeting experience.
