The world is on fire – there’s no ending in sight for the ongoing war in Ukraine, in the Middle East the level of conflict is escalating, and by banning certain protests European authorities are restricting the freedom of speech. The world has become a more dangerous place, and the idea of a third world war seems less foreign than in a long time. How did we get here? And how can we break this spiral?
Frithjof Hoel’s artistic project has one clear ambition: to remind us of the horrors of humanity. Departing from notes from diaries and first hand accounts from two of the most violent wars of the 20th century, he has created a painterly installation to warn us: if we don’t stop now this is where we’re headed. By pointing backwards Hoel doesn’t only aim at opening our eyes, but encourages us to act: we must not sleep!
Frithjof Hoel (b. 1953) is an artist working and living in Oslo. He iseducated at the Norwegian National Academy of the Arts, and works mainly with painting with motives that reflect the social and political potential of art. Hoel has shown his works in a series of exhibitions in Norway and abroad, at venues such as Arvika konsthall, Kunstbanken kunsthall, Oslo kunstforening, and Bergen kunstforening.
Storm of Steel has been made possible through the generous support of the Norwegian Arts Council.
Frithjof Hoel
- Storm of Steel
