Nils-Thomas Økland
Sandnes kunstforening
30.4.-31.5.15
Charcoal drawings, tyre spin residue, ilmenite, titanium oxide, installations, sculpture
The marks of spinning tyres on asphalt create mixed feelings among people. For some they symbolize the mastering of machines, speed and adrenalin, a community, freedom. For others they symbolize low culture, pollution, noise and criminal youngsters. Nils-Thomas Økland consider the marks to be art, or a basis for art. With minute detail he has recreated spinmarks in charcoal drawings, recreating what originally took only seconds to make in drawings that took a long time to make.
Horizon/Vanishing point
But as the impression of the motor culture may be black-white, so is the art of Økland. He creates his art on the almost alchemic change of coal-black ilmenite to pure white titanium-oxide. Both extremes are present in his abstract artwork, and as coating on his sculptures. The product originates from the Titania mine in Sokndal, curiously also the object of the art of Maiken Stene at her present exhibition at Hå gamle prestegard.
Processing and consumption
The spinning wheel is present not only in his charcoal drawings of wheels, but also in what must be called a performance during the preparations of the exhibition: A professional motorcycle racer brought his machine into the gallery and made for a spin. This resulted in a massive amount of smoke, and permanent markings on the floor. While the artist had carefully chosen the spinmarks that he wanted to draw, the marks on the floor appeared without his control. It is probably the first time a racing bike has spun around in an art gallery, and it highlights the artwork both by theme and attention.
Spinning Wheel
Horizon/Formation
Marks 3+4+5
