Article
Fragments of reality that reveal an aura of loneliness
Siri Hermansen´s work can be described as an ongoing artistic investigation where the deconstruction and dissecting of reality creates a contrast between the immediate visual observation and the conceptual significance of various objects. The fragments, collected from everyday life, that are displayed in Siri´s artworks often addresses human conditions and social circumstances and capture a mode of beauty, personal memories and loneliness.
Siri works with a variety of techniques. She often uses a diversity of objects, made of a variety of materials that have a close connection to popular culture and typical stereotype images of Western culture.
She explains: "My work is based on stereotyped images and objects collected from popular culture or from everyday life. I use these objects as tools to investigate and comprehend reality and contrasting cultures. I often choose to work with objects that are already highly charged – objects that carry within them their own history. Through the transformation process I strive to create a parallel reality, which stands in contrast to the apparent perceptions and experiences a reversed self-reflection within the objects, a dialogue between the external, visual aspect of the object and its internal meaning conducted within each object as a whole."
The integration of everyday objects in her art invites the observer to reflect on social issues such as consumerism, industrialism and politics. The underlying message in Siri´s paintings, photographs, videos and installations is often present as a subtle notion, the shadow, behind great beauty and humanity. Siri Hermansen´s almost scientific methodology and her approach to the history and the function of each object that she brings into her art becomes a key element in the creation of visual poetry that captures the observer.
She explains: "My work is based on stereotyped images and objects collected from popular culture or from everyday life. I use these objects as tools to investigate and comprehend reality and contrasting cultures. I often choose to work with objects that are already highly charged – objects that carry within them their own history. Through the transformation process I strive to create a parallel reality, which stands in contrast to the apparent perceptions and experiences a reversed self-reflection within the objects, a dialogue between the external, visual aspect of the object and its internal meaning conducted within each object as a whole."
The integration of everyday objects in her art invites the observer to reflect on social issues such as consumerism, industrialism and politics. The underlying message in Siri´s paintings, photographs, videos and installations is often present as a subtle notion, the shadow, behind great beauty and humanity. Siri Hermansen´s almost scientific methodology and her approach to the history and the function of each object that she brings into her art becomes a key element in the creation of visual poetry that captures the observer.
Author: Robin Sjöblom
Bio
Siri Hermansen was born in 1969 in Geneva. She lives in Tromsø and Oslo, Norway.
Art Education:
1994-1997 Diplome Superiour – Ecolè Nationalè Superiourè des Beaux-arts – Paris
1991-1994 BFA in Sculpture – Parsons School of Design – Paris
1989-1991 Oslo Drawing and Painting School
1989 Academia di Belli Arti - Perugia
Art Education:
1994-1997 Diplome Superiour – Ecolè Nationalè Superiourè des Beaux-arts – Paris
1991-1994 BFA in Sculpture – Parsons School of Design – Paris
1989-1991 Oslo Drawing and Painting School
1989 Academia di Belli Arti - Perugia
Works
Bipolar Horizon
Exhibition / Installation,
2006
An artistic investigation of the deserted settlement Pyramiden - in the artic region Svalbard. Presented at Stenersen Artmuseum Oslo.
Gravity
Exhibition / Installation,
2006
A video documentation presented at Kunstbanken Hedemark
Oblation
Exhibition / Installation,
2005
At Galleri nr.9 in Oslo
Camp Heaven
Exhibition / Installation,
2005
Exhibition in Molde at Møre og Romsdahl Art centre
Days of Night
Exhibition / Installation,
2005
Exhibition at Tromsø Kunstforening
The happiest day of my life
Exhibition / Installation,
2003
A Photo series including 100 portraits of wedding couples which reveals the contradiction of an act that is both very private and public at the same time. Shown at Sørlandets Art museum, Night-gallery - Kristiansand
Time Ecstacy
Exhibition / Installation,
2003
Exhibition at UKS (Young artists Association) in Oslo
When summer is almost gone
Exhibition / Installation,
2002
Exhibition at Arendahl Kunstforening
In Absentia
Exhibition / Installation,
2001
Exhibition at Gallery F15 in Jeløya
Merits
2006 - Jacob Weidemanns Art Prize
2003 - Artists of the year NATT OG DAG Shortlisted
2001 - Diesel Art Prize
2003 - Artists of the year NATT OG DAG Shortlisted
2001 - Diesel Art Prize
Projects
This artist took part in the following project(s) organized/funded by the culturebase.net partner institutions.
