Text by Benjamin Apse

“From Light to Matter“ Is an exhibition in SKOG from 11 April to 5 May that showcases how light and colour work togheter. The exhibit will display two artist working with the same themes but with different media.

Mari Ulland and Per Hess are working with different media but are collectively exploring the thematic connection of light and colour. Mari’s textile-based works are uniquely influenced by natural light. Per on the other hand relies on artificial illumination in his neon tube lights. Despite their shared interest in scientific disciplines on light and colour, their individual works offer different interpretations.  

Foto: Mari Ulland

Mari Ulland, renowned for her colourful textiles, approaches her art with a material approach. When reflecting on colours, our attention gravitates towards our own emotions. Mari draws inspiration from the philosophical thoughts of Ludwig Wittgenstein, where she embraces the notion that colours are acquired through cultural learning.

Foto Mari Ulland

For Mari, colours provide a journey into people’s experiences and feelings, historical epochs, and ideologies. Engaged with colours within her textile compositions, she navigates the dynamic relationship of transitions and layers. Her artwork has a tendency towards occasional disorder due to the inherent flexibility of textiles.

Foto: Per Hess

Per Hess's focus leans towards the insights gathered from the natural sciences, encompassing Goethe's theory of colour. His artworks revolve around separating the relationship between light and matter. His career has long been devoted to exploring the behaviour of light in combination with various materials. His tube lights offer an avenue for exploration. The different colours and lengths in these light tubes works to create a unified whole.  

Foto: Per Hess

See for full price list here.