Native, Exotic, Normal, 2017
Mixed media. Variable dimensions.
Solo show, Uppsala Art Museum, Uppsala, Sweden.
In an extensive installation, Hesselholdt & Mejlvang approach issues regarding how treacherously easy it is to try to understand people from outer parameters such as appearance, ethnicity, religion and cultural expression. As a starting point, the Danish artist duo uses the dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick's scale of skin types. Through six color nuances, the visitor is lead on a culture historical and pop culture tour. The exhibition is a critical commentary on Eurocentrism, general norms, prejudices and clichés, and tries to create in-depth and reflective perspectives regarding the cultural categorization in our society.
The exhibition is generously supported by the Danish Arts Foundation, Fritz Hansen, Le Klint, Stof & Stil.
The sculpture, Maypole (2017) is part of the collection of Uppsala Art Museum.
Photos: Jean-Baptiste Béranger.
Native, Exotic, Normal / State of Emergency, flaginstallation in front of Uppsala Art Museum. Six flag poles, six flags.
ARYAN CERTIFICATE Ivory wall paint. 12 coat of arms. Satin, batting.
THE ORIENT detail. Sand wall paint. Dahl Jensen porcelain figurines: Snake Charmer and Oriental Flute Player.
NORMAL detail. Flesh tint wall paint. Santa Maria model ship. Spray paint, acrylic paint.
THE ORIENT Sand wall paint. Wall banner. Fabric, acrylic paint.
FIESTA EXOTICA Toffee wall paint. Maypole. Cow horn, lamb skin, artificial flowers, grass skirt, wood, acrylic paint.
BLACK NATIONALISM Espresso wall paint. Black “panther”. Taxidermy lion, hair color.
NATIVE CROSS Chocolate wall paint. Galvanized metal chain, paint, hip hop bling chain - gold.
