Oligarchy Dopamine Rollercoaster - Søren Krag

Søren Krag’s exhibition “Oligarchy Dopamine Rollercoaster” took place in SKOG between 21 November and 15 December. Krag is a Danish artist currently based in Bergen. Throughout his artistic journey, Krag has focused on digital tools, starting the exploration of what he terms ‘digital painting’ with programs like Microsoft Paint. Photos by Kevin Fauske.

This digital tool became a springboard for developing his unique visual language. Krag approaches his projects in two steps: first designs are developed digitally, and then translated into physical form.

In addition to fully ready-made plastic objects Krag’s exhibition at SKOG features digital projects realized as sculptures built with LEGO. The choice of using LEGO as a medium is far from random. Krag is committed to posing political questions, and LEGO provides a platform to explore themes related to capitalism, climate and plastic consumption. While LEGO is often associated with childhood and play, Krag focuses attention on the underlying symbolism of this material: the omnipresence of plastic in our lives, its oil-based fabrication and the powers that protect and profit from this mode of production.

Krag acquires his LEGO bricks second-hand and has noticed a recurring pattern: a great number of bricks bearing the logo of the “Shell” Oil company in addition to numerous bricks marked “Police.” This observation forms the basis for the irony Krag seeks to highlight: these seemingly harmless toys can also symbolize the insidious corporate presence in our lives from an early age. Krag’s works thus challenge viewers to reflect on how play and industry, aesthetics and politics merge in art and everyday life.