FUNGAL GAZE - Eskedal, Lindblom & Skjeldal Gravdahl

Solfrid Elise Lindblom's (b. 1998) intricate charcoal drawings invite us to appreciate the complexity and elegance of mushrooms. The works take a closer look at what is often dismissed, the forest floor and its complex symbiosis of microorganisms, and the sophisticated stories and perspectives of fungi. Lindblom's work evokes the space between the known and the unknown, encouraging us to look beyond our usual perceptions of our surroundings. Lindblom was born in Stavanger and grew up in Tvedestrand. She has a bachelor's degree in contemporary art from the Academy of Fine Arts in Tromsø. She is currently a board member of den locale branch of the Norwegian Visual Artists organization, NBK-Agder.

Aasa Skjeldal Gravdahl (b. 1984) shapes clay into organic, almost otherworldly shapes that challenge our perceptions of both mushrooms and ceramics. The works are not just sculptures; They are tactile sensations that evoke the clay and the many textures and shapes of the mushroom. In Skjeldal Gravdahl's work, one can also see the resilience and adaptability of fungi, which thrive in environments ranging from the forest floor to forgotten corners of urban landscapes – inviting us to explore the space between the natural world and our bodies. Gravdahl was born in Bryne at Jæren, and has lived and worked in Kristiansand for the past 23 years. She has a bachelor's degree in material-based art from the National Academy of the Arts, with a specialization in ceramics. Gravdahl has exhibited her works in many group exhibitions in Norway, including at Grenland Kunsthall.

Vilde Eskedal (b. 1992) combines materials and techniques on canvas, exploring the symbiotic relationship between fungi and their surroundings. The works combine man-made and organic materials and can point to intertwining between living and non-living things where life and decay intersect. In Eskedal's work, one can reflect on the degradation of plastic in nature and how it has now become part of our epoch and our body. Eskedal was born in Tromsø and grew up in Kristiansand. She has a master's degree in fine arts from UiA/York St. John University. Eskedal is known as an active performance artist in the performance duo Blomlaok and the art collective SPEKTRA. She has participated in many solo and group exhibitions and as a performance artist at festivals.