Gravity is a mixed blessing

Happening, photograph, video, object. This piece was one of my first works after I packed my bags in Berlin and moved to Oslo. At the time I was very intrigued by historical buildings, landmarks and the representation of national identity. Similar to Palast der Republik, the Holmenkollen jump tower was and is a building of national interest.

At the time, there was a heated discussion in Norway about whether renewing or demolishing this iconic construction after approximately 30 years in use to host the world’s biggest ski-jump event–the Kollenhop. There were pros and cons. I went up several times to document the demolishing process and finally decided to apply for permission to hold a “performance” where to throw a bicycle off the rails from the top of the tower and from there 60 meters down to the ground. It was great fun!

First after developing the film, I realised that in the top left corner, there was an airplane accidentally depicted pointing upwards, whereas the bike was falling downwards. This juxtaposition gave way to the title: Gravity is a mixed blessing.

Artwork for purchase only consists of photograph + 1 small print copy (30x30cm) of the destroyed bicycle.

The price includes 5% art tax.