Panel discussion on Political Art + (Art)erparty with DJ Safi

What is considered as political art, or a political artist is inherently different for people. Some artworks have a clear message that offers the view of the maker, and some art is created to initiate the discussion, without knowing where it will go. Norway has a rich history of artists with strong political voices, from Hannah Ryggen and her tapestries on war, to Kjartan Slettemarks abstract and performance works with political insights. Slettemarks artwork Av rapport fra Vietnam from 1965, which portrays a collage of an open mouth, a baby doll mutilated in blood and the American flag, got a lot of critique. The work was mounted in Eidsvolls plass, outside Stortinget in Oslo, where it was attacked by axe and a heavy stone. Slettemark insisted that it was not a political act, but purely humanistic.

What has changed over the years? What impact have previous generations of artists left behind, and how does today’s emerging art scene in Trondheim navigate self-expression and activism through art? What does it mean to be a political artist, and who defines its significance? Has the power of art evolved over the past 50 years? These questions will be explored at our panel discussion at K.U.K. in Trondheim.

We are honored to welcome Anders Gjesvik, Associate Professor of Journalism at Oslo Metropolitan University. With 20 years of experience as a journalist, Gjesvik brings deep insight into the media landscape. On August 13th of last year, he released Kjartan Slettemark – kunsten å bli sett: en biografi, a compelling biography of the renowned artist. The book received high praise from Jan Nyberg of Bergens Tidende, who described it as one of the best biographies he has read—one that dares to take a critical approach to its subject.

We will also be joined by artist Lars Ø. Ramberg, known for his thought-provoking public installations. Ramberg is renowned for his site-specific installations in public spaces, where he challenges power structures, established values, and the collective self-understanding of society. His artistic practice is both discursive and critical, inviting the audience to reflect on social and cultural capital. Through his spectacular works, he creates spaces for debate, where he both sows doubt and fosters trust.

Miroslawa Danuta Næss (b.1999) is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in visual arts at the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art. Næss draws inspiration from religious art and folklore. Her work often explores the portrayal of women in historical and cultural contexts. Through her artistic practice, Næss aims to create a dialogue between the past and present, as well as between the visible and invisible.

Cathrine Hovdahl Vik works as the artistic director at K-U-K. She is an educated art historia and has worked as a curator and department head at the Trondheim Art Museum before starting at K-U-K. She is behind several publications, has held and currently holds several positions, and serves as an advisor in Equinor’s art program

Leilet Safi, also known as Helena Natvig Safi, is an Oslo-basert DJ. She plays fusion music, where she combines club-music from Oslo, queer underground music and arabic rhythms from her palestinian background. She mixes genres like Tech-house, habibi funk, hyperpop, palestinian techno and queer-culture staples. The end product is music to shake your hips to, all night long…