Opening programme
29 August 2014–6 September 2015
Sandhornøy
Norway
SALT is a nomadic initiative for art, music and architecture in the Arctic.
For thousands of years people have followed the movement of animals and the seasonal rhythms in the Arctic landscape. Footprints are few. SALT is inspired by and moves in that same Arctic landscape with care and respect.
On the island of Sandhornøy in northern Norway, where mountain and ocean meet, Chinese artist Yang Fudong has created an exceptional new and site specific outdoor film installation on a beach. The 8-channel film-installation titled The Light that I feel is produced on the island with local actors and with the stunning and ever-changing landscape as scenery.
Fudong, one of China’s best-known contemporary artists and filmmakers, is recognized for his plotless and fragmented, but at the same time hypnotic and epic expression. “I think about how to tell a narrative by using not people speaking so much, but how the wind tells a narrative, or how trees tell a narrative,” he says.
Silence is an important part of his work, inspired by an Eastern tradition where meaning cannot be spoken but is understood by the heart. His films bring together the old and the new, ancient wisdom and landscapes, and the idea of the collective with the more rootless and doubting approach of the urban individual. To describe it he says, “It’s a feeling of yesterday, but it’s actually tomorrow.”
Yang Fudong shows a sensitive and responsive approach in his work; his films touch upon questions around identity connected to history and heritage and the existential challenges of contemporary life. His grand, slow and poetic cinematic language counters the natural scenery on the Arctic island in an extraordinary way.
SALT begins its journey upon an Arctic beach on the mountainous island of Sandhornøy in Northern Norway, near Bodoø, between 29 August 2014 and 6 September 2015. Here, visitors can discover a place to engage the mind, body and soul. Whether it’s for a day trip, an overnight stay or a lengthier sojourn, SALT presents a continuous arts diary year-round, offering cultural experiences, indoors and outdoors. From site-specific art installations to fireside storytelling, readings, lectures, conferences and debates. There will also be music—including classical and contemporary concerts, club nights, gigs, theatre and experimental performances, as well as child-friendly events and mediation programmes.
SALT’s launch weekend, 29–30 August, uses the white beach encompassed by high mountains and the turquoise ocean as a beautiful, breath-taking stage for the opening programme.
It offers contemporary art, music and architecture, alongside its sauna, restaurant and bar. With an artistic and musical programme closely linked to the location and surroundings, SALT encourages an increased awareness of the landscape, its history, present circumstances and future. The weekend music programme is organized in collaboration with NyMusikk. Yang Fudong’s film installation will be on display until February 2015 and curator of SALT’s art program is Helga-Marie Nordby.
Music programme opening weekend:
Friday, 29 August: Lonnie Holley, musicians from Arctic Symphonic Orchestra, DJ Are Mokkelbostand, Ensemble Yalajali
Saturday, 30 August: Biosphere, Warduna and Slagr
For tickets and more information, visit www.salted.no.
