NORWAY: Does matter matter? Can a specific material connect with memories of a lost family member?

After lying in the ground for more than 40 years, felt from Norske Skog's paper production at Skogn was given new life in the art installation "Felt Without End", located on the Bakkan property in Levanger. Former paper worker Bjørn Bye took the felt home in the 1970s, where he used it for various purposes on the property. The installation explores the history and meaning of the material, and how it can link personal and collective memories. The installation opened a discussion about sustainability by reusing materials in a work of art. The felt is made from synthetic fibers and formerly wool. The felt was dugged up, brushed and hung over stringers in a 7 meter high construction. Felt is an expensive material. It is woven at the Albany Nordiskafelt factory in Halmstad, Sweden, and is used to extract moisture from the paper pulp, which is mainly made of spruce. The dimensions of paper production are enormous and difficult to understand. In one minute, 1,400 meters of newsprint eight meters wide are made. 50% of the newsprint produced at Norske Skog Skogn is exported to England. Four retired factory workers from Norske Skog Skogn told the public how felt was and still is used in paper production during the opening.

EXHIBITION
Exhibition period: July 29th - August 3rd 2024
Venue: Bakkan, Levanger, NO
Factory workers: Johan Svendsen, Per Berget, Tore Grevskott and Arne Trætli.