Per Hess´ Journey from Matter to Light

By Benjamin Apse

Read more about his exhibition with Mari Ulland here.

During his and Mari Ulland´s exhibition at SKOG, titled "From Light to Matter," I had the opportunity to spend some time with the artist Per Hess in his studio. We engaged in what evolved into an extensive conversation on light and matter, delving into various topics beyond just art, including politics and philosophy.

Photo: Kristian Hagerup

Per has long held a fascination with light and its relationship to matter. In the early stages of his career while he was studying visual art, he predominantly worked as a painter and drawer. Per has enjoyed a lengthy career, never confining himself solely to one medium. When questioned about this, he expressed that as he works with a new medium, he gains new insights into its abilities and limitations. However, over time, the distinction between light and matter became harder to achieve through painting and drawing, leading to his evolution towards neon-lights. A medium with a clearer distinction between light and matter.

Photo: Kristian Hagerup

Throughout art history, light has remained a pivotal focus. Artists have continuously wondered about its impact on matter, techniques for manipulating it, and its true essence. Per's fascination with Goethe's colour theory exemplifies this, highlighting how colours stem from the reflection of light on matter and how darkness can also reveal hues within matter.

Per's artwork at the SKOG exhibition reflects these themes. He also embraces humanistic perspectives, evident in his light installations featuring multiple colours and sizes encapsulated within a single tube. He draws parallels between these works and the diverse elements that builds up a person. A person for him is never just one element.

“We are comprised by various elements that makes us who we are”. (Per Hess)

Through his art, Per aspires to foster a connection with viewers, encouraging introspection and dialogue. He believes that art truly comes to life through the observer's interpretation and engagement. Another dimension these neon lights take is the question about energy resources. The neon lights symbolise the lights of the future and the quest in the search for a more efficient energy source. The scary and looming times we currently live in, he emphasizes that in dark times humans naturally turn to the light, and in the light one finds comfort.

Photo: Werner Zellien

You can read more about the exhibition “From Light to Matter“ here.