Between reality and superstition there lies an ocean
Audio visual installation 2022
Between reality and superstition there lies an ocean is a work that explores the state of mind of the North Norwegian fishermen that have worked along the arctic coast for generations. Fishing from open boats through storms and dark winters they were exposed to extreme weather and life threatening situations with only their inherited oral knowledge to help them navigate the oceans temper. The extreme exhaustion brought them into state of mind where a new world began to emerge; a world of sea monsters and mermaids, marmels and Draugen.
Due to climate change the fishing industry in Lofoten and Steigen is in rapid decline and the stories of the ocean are disappearing. Ketil Erdal belongs to the last generation that remembers the ocean when it was still crowded with boats and ‘seacreatures.’
Exhibited at Stedelijk Museum as a part of the Uncut exhibition in March 2022, curated by Tarja Szaraniec and Tomas Adolfs
Also featured in an exhibition and event titled Havblikk, hosted by Ekkoekko in North Norway in June 2022
