WOW! Look at that!!
Instagram user @marianymo posted the photo of our Spring Library in her account recently. And there are already 774 likes! If you took a picture of our Spring Library and shared it in any kind of social media, please, use hashtag #springlibraryoslo and #vårbibliotekoslo Thank you!!
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Today we have tried our "Spring Library" in action. We placed all donated to us books into shelves and pulled the "Spring Library" out to the streets. First we went to Slottsparken and tried out several sunny spots there... After that we have moved to Karl Johans gate... We have spent about 2 hours there and decided to move on to the harbour... Our construction was ready. Next step was the most delightful: painting!
We both have degree in Fine Arts, thus, we were so happy when it came to painting and we were able to apply our skills in this project. The main idea was to make our library a sort of street art object on its own. Bright and colorful, with a bit childish and hand-made look. We thought, that it will make it clear, that we do not sell anything, that this is not a commercial Project, that it's FREE! After braistorming for a while, we came to the idea, that we can call our pop-up library "Spring Library", due to the fact that, firstly, the implementation of it will take place only in spring, and secondly, that it is just so nice to sit in the park and read in the warm spring sun! Hence, we have chosen spring motieves to be painted: leaves and flovers. We also found some fake flovers to attach to the shelves to make it look even nicer! Below are the pictures of the process of painting... After we have found all necessary materials, we started to build our library. First, we attached shelves one to another using hammer and screwdriver, then we fixed this construction on the cart. Moreover, we created a nice handle!
We are at the last meters! Alexandra and Matilda Coming up with mobile Spring Library We realized that there could be some problems with installation and the ownership issues of public locations and so we decided to change it into a performative work: mobile Spring Library! We can move it around Oslo and see how it works, how people react and which places are the most functional. If there are any problems with ownership, we are able to be flexible and change location. Finding materials We had to find materials for our project: something on wheels, like a trolley and also bookshelves. Our aim not not to make anything too big, since it is only going to be just us two pushing it around. We are also working with a minimal budget and wish to be ecological with the choice of materials, so recycling is the best option. Luckily we managed to find all we needed relatively easy. We were donated two shelves and a platform with wheels and we think it is the perfect size for our artistic mini-library. Why are there stairs everywhere in Oslo? This is something we didn't pay attention to before, but after carrying the shelves to our our workshop, we realized once more the unexpected physical work that is part of an artist's practice. Next we will be busy with some building and fixing, as we have to get the construction to be stable and manageable to move around.
Happy Spring and stay tuned! Coming up with the final idea: pop-up library We have now come up with our final idea! We decided that instead of doing project in the library or in front of the library we will create our own library: pop-up library spots around Oslo! We think that we can create several small scale installations near the benches in the parks or bus stops and see how it works... The reason for this is, that we wish to do the intervention in an urban public space and not inside an existing institution. The installation could look like a small shelf with books and a sort of inviting sign. Visit Deichman Library So, following the suggestions of Kristin Bergaust, we have visited Deichman Library in Grünerløkka and talked to the staff there. It seems that they will be happy to contribute to our project and donate books. Big thanks to them! Researching the area - what was already done?Here are some examples of pop-up libraries: To see more of examples of pop-up libraries all around the world you can check out these Pinterest board: https://ru.pinterest.com/xxstroxx/pop-up-libraries/ This week we have been working on the idea development and also timeline for the project. We were so lucky to get some advices from Norwegian visual artist Kristin Bergaust! So, currently we assume, that we will be working around the concept of "Library" and perhaps creating some sort of intervention inside an institution, which is sort of public space. Some themes we have been brainstorming: -displacement and misplacement -urban versus nature, -participatory art (community art) We are a creative, intercultural team of two people from Finland and Russia, closely engaged with contemporary artistic practices and public space. Our wish is to create an artistic intervention in public space in Oslo during the spring 2017.
Our main interest is drawn towards such phenomenon as public art, public space and artistic intervention in urban spaces. In our work we are focusing on following discourses: “intercultural”, “social”, “art education” and “art in society”. At this moment we think that our project should involve elements of sustainability and democracy and we wish that there will be room for some joyful, creative expression! Let's see what happens! Matilda & Alexandra |
AuthorsWe are a creative, intercultural duo closely engaged with contemporary artistic practices and public space ArchivesCategories |