Heske’s projects move in the space between materials taken from or placed in nature, often as performative or documentary works, conveyed both inside and outside the gallery space. The exhibition in the Kunstverket Gallery has the main focus on Heske’s serial works on paper.
Heske uses a wide range of phototechnical and graphic tools in the picture series she produces. The works can be described as distinctive portraits of mainly snow and rock formations, some also described as “video paintings”. The title Nature on Natural Paper largely reflects this experimental approach to Heske’s graphics, which represent an extensive production of works on paper. The exhibition shines a spotlight on motifs taken from nature, and then from the mountain and fjord landscape in Western Norway and in Tafjord. The images have been created using self-produced digital prints on paper. Heske further substantiates the importance of nature’s complex play of colors and materiality, on this occasion with a selection of handmade natural paper from Nepal. According to the artist, the qualities of the paper are absolutely decisive for how the color and its shapes impress and are communicated in the works.
The Mountain of the Mind project further points to the spiritual and philosophical aspect of exploring parts of one’s own mind and psyche. It requires more than just physical strength to climb a mountain or to survive in the Nordic nature. At the same time, a trained intellect is required to change attitudes, feelings and to create new ideas. And without nature, its elements and materials, it will be challenging to develop creativity in general, or to cultivate our society in particular.
Heske’s art, in both titles, motifs and material, involves a reflection on society’s values and our individual attitudes. The works further express our collective responsibility for the environment we live in. This includes both nature, the people around us and the culture we share – and which Heske has a constant need, or desire, to constantly rediscover, process and challenge.
