THE 1ST E.A.ST. EXHIBITION / INTERSENSION ( AL )

Northing plans to host an annual group exhibition - E.A.S.T in downtown Bergen that showcases graduation projects by East-Asian artists, designers, and architects that newly graduated in Norway. The exhibitors come from master studies from different schools and academies. The exhibition intends to provide students from East Asia who wish to establish themselves in the art and design milieu in Norway with an occasion and platform to reach out to the potential audience in Bergen and West Norway.

The title of the first edition is: Intersension(al) inter - sens - ion (noun)

Definition: A universal term that addresses the state of being in flux between sensatorial extremes. Intersension captures the pendulum within one’s self - or within the body of society - that is always in movement. It intends to halt the assumption that vulnerability or strength are static or innate human conditions, and that one is superior to the other. Rather, it emphasizes the fluctuation of sensations that arrives and passes throughout life. However abstract, the term characterizes a highly human condition, especially prominent in those who have experienced escapism or displacement.

Coined by Justine Nguyen under Samgrunnelse - a linguistic workshop hosted by ROM for kunst og arkitektur, the word is intended to replace “vulnerable” - a condescending description of the emotional state of migrants and other groups of people that are experiencing change. Justine argued that as one enters the state of being vulnerable, traits of strength follow.

Most of the artists, designers, and architects that are presented in this exhibition are or by the time of graduation were in such a state of fluctuation. They went through the last stage of their education during a global pandemic, with both staying and leaving a pivotal decision to make, for their future career and life. Will such an intersensional state of mind be reflected in their graduation works?

This is also a pilot collaboration between Northing and B-OPEN- an art festival for visibility and marketing of professional artistic activities in Bergen and West Norway.