“The world has not had a higher level of conflict since 1945” we can read on the UN website. The quote emphasizes the seriousness that characterizes society today, and in a global perspective there are always ongoing conflicts in the world. From a European perspective, Russia’s warfare against Ukraine has shaken up a relatively peaceful Europe.
In war and violent conflict, the parties will always fight to promote their version of the story, and the news image and social media are more important than ever. Fake news, deepfake, censorship and propaganda are keywords in an increasingly pressured media reality. Social media is closed, while other platforms develop into important channels where ordinary people report from everyday life in war.
Throughout history, artists have used their voice for statements and protests in the face of war and conflict, and as a display venue for art, Nitja sees the importance of doing what we can to highlight relevant and committed voices.
In Power and powerlessness, we meet seven artists who in various ways comment on or reflect on war, conflict, power relations and news reporting. Some of the works give an insight into a life on the run or a life in an ongoing war, which can play as big a role as actionist expressions. Other works in the exhibition thematize the exercise of power through architecture and news falsification. Taken as a whole, the exhibition opens up perspectives that offer a broader understanding of individual experiences from war and conflict, where the various works convey reflections on power and powerlessness.
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After showing in Nitja, the exhibition will be shown in the East Slovak Gallery / Východoslovenská galéria in Košice, Slovakia, as part of a collaboration supported by the EEA Grant System.
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In connection with the exhibition, Nitja has developed a collaboration with TrAP / Nøkkel til byen . More info here: First youth job opportunity of the year! (Age 16-25) – Collaboration with Nøkkel til byen . Nitja’s three interns in the period February–April 2023 are: Jacklin Amani Evaristo (18), Regine Røiseland (17) and Manahil Mushtaq (17).
