HOW MUCH SILENCE CAN YOU TAKE?
On Sunday morning, I joined brain researcher Marte Roa Syvertsen and Erling Kagge on NRK Helgemorgen to discuss our experiences with silence. These interviews were a continuation of the article "Silence is the New Superpower" on NRK.no, which focused on the importance of giving the brain silence and peace, so that it can process the experiences we have already had and put them together in new ways.
I was invited to talk about my experiences with silence and the book How Much Silence Can You Take?, where I photographed different forms of silence over a year without social media and a smartphone.
When I started the art project, I didn't know what I would find. But what struck me most was the silence that arose. And the empty spaces and the empty time that were created during a day. The spaces between two events.
As an artist, I am well used to silence, but being allowed to delve into silence in this way felt like a gift, but also a bit unsafe. Because in silence I see my thoughts and feelings more clearly. It is a room for reflections. In silence, as in the night, I can find my darkest thoughts, but also unforeseen insights.
In the silence I give attention to what is closest. Whether it's stroking my children's hair, watching the daily changes in nature, or studying three ants making their way up my coffee cup.
If you want to take the book with you into the summer, it is still available at Tronsmo book store in Oslo and via the Journal Forlag website.
With this I wish you a wonderful summer and will soon log off for vacation with a little less impressions.
If you want to bring the book with you into the summer, you can still find it at Tronsmo bookstore in Oslo or on Journal Forlag's website.
The book is supported by the Fritt Ord Foundation, the Bergesen Foundation, the Norwegian Association of Professional Photographers' Fund, and the Norwegian Arts Council/Artist Grants.
Documentation photos of the book: @leastuedahl