Brigði 2024—Shetland/Norway Artist Exchange
In June Gaada welcomed Norwegian artists Ann-Kristin Stølan and Fredrik Rysjedal, founding members of Pamflett – the Bergen based Artist-Publishing studio and organisers of the annual Bergen Art Book Fair. This week-long residency represents the 2024 instalment of Brigði, an ongoing partnership between Gaada and Pamflett which is building stronger links between artists in Shetland and Norway.
The public-facing element of the residency focused on a special edition of Work Share, where (after sharing a bountiful feast!) Anki and Fredrik led a drawing and collective book-making marathon with a fantastic group of Shetland Artists. Inspiration for the group work came from Fredrik’s latest publication ‘Krampe’ [Cramp], a comic about cold water swimming and the fear of getting cramp. Everyone was treated to a reading (and live-translation) of the comic by the author which set a playful and humorous tone for the day.
Detail spread from Fredrik Rysjedal’s‘KRAMPE’ - a copy of which was kindly donated to Gaada’s Island Zine Library
The group was then guided through an uplifting comic book-making activity which resulted in a finished collective publication ‘ Da Swim’ - a wordless journey which follows our protagonist whose shape-shifts from page-to-page (each workshop participant drew themselves into the comic!) as they dive in and out of wild Shetland waters.
The day was concluded in true Work Share tradition, with each artist presenting their recent/current work before receiving feedback and encouragement from the group. It’s safe to say an amazing day was had by all - but from our perspective at Gaada, it was a brilliant reminder of the magic that can occur when artists are brought together in an atmosphere of warmth and sharing. A day we aim to replicate again soon!
Frederic (Pamflett) and Berenice (Shetland Artist) hold up monoprints made by Kate (Shetland Artist) during Work Share discussion
Gaada + Pamflett’s Shetland/Norway Artist Exchange is supported by Creative Scotland, Bergen Kommune and Norsk Kulturråd.
Previous Brigði-related posts below ↯
