Shana Moulton with Nick Hallett, "Whispering Pines #10" (2018). Videostill

Opening: 13.00 - 15.00, Saturday 8 January

How can we understand the so-called contemporary when we are bathing in it? 

Melketenner/ Milk Teeth questions the nature of “well-being”, bringing together work by eleven artists that addresses complex themes, including; what it is to take care; climate crisis; new age lifestyles; indigenous culture; immigration; and family relationships. In weaving together a fragmented image of a present full of contradictions, the exhibition seeks to create a meeting point for rest, dialogue and critique.

Sharp, fragile Melketenner/ Milk Teeth are a sign of healthy growth and development but “cutting teeth” is an uncomfortable process. Curated by participants in residency 19, the Young Curators Residency, it explores the idea of maturing. It reflects on the curators’ experiences of both developing within, and seeking to disrupt, the institutions in which they find themselves.

The curators hope that the exhibition provides you with something new to chew on.

More Information

Held at Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art, this exhibition is a continuation of the Young Curators Residency held in 2021 – a collaboration between Nitja and PRAKSIS, created by curator Martina Petrelli and PRAKSIS founder and director Nicholas John Jones, with input from artist and educator Stine Marie Jacobsen. The programme’s aim was to give its participants (Haawa Abdirahman Abdille, Fatima Hadouchi, Vera Moi, Sara Mreihil, Henrik Stiansen and Emanuel Waal) insights into and first-hand experience of curating, offering them a platform and voice in the field.

—The exhibition is curated by Haawa Abdirahman Abdille, Vera Moi, and Henrik Stiansen, who would like to thank and acknowledge the input of Fatima Hadouchi, Stine Marie Jacobsen, Nicholas John Jones, Martina Petrelli, Kristine Siegel, Cassie Thornton. 

—Emanuel Waal is curator of the music arrangements at the exhibition’s opening event in collaboration with Baklengs record shop.

—Sara Mreihil is curator for the collaboration at Lillestrøm High School Dance Section with the international hub for dance training and creative development Orsolina28, sponsored by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Oslo.

—The exhibition’s side program includes artist talks, dance performances and a seminar arranged in collaboration with curator Kristine Siegel.

Thanks to Arts Council Norway and Viken County for supporting the Young Curators Residency programme. Thanks to Kistefos / Christen Sveaas and Jon-Harald Nilsen for lending artworks.

Events

Due to the current restrictions the event programme is subject to change. Please visit www.nitja.no/exhibitions/melketenner-milk-teeth for up-to-date information.

Artists
Endre Aalrust
Jo Andersson
Tewodros Hagos
Moa Israelsson
Nora Joung
Emil Kjærnli
Shana Moulton
Hanna Roloff
Elina Waage Mikalsen
Nick Hallett
Hilde Honerud

Curated by
Henrik Stiansen
Vera Moi
Haawa Abdirahman Abdille

Thanks to

Kulturrådet
Viken fylkeskommune
Den Italienske Ambassade
Det italienske kulturinstitutt
Orsolina28
Lillestrøm VGS danselinje