Christian Houge is invited to participate in the exhibiton AntArctica at Haugar Vestfold Art Museum. AntArctica is Haugar’s contribution to “Protection of Cultural Heritage Year”, and focuses upon a number of Norwegian and international artists whose work relates to the serious effects of climate change in today’s world. Many of the participants have spent time aboard research ships on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. There they have experienced the melting of the Polar Ice at first hand, and have reflected upon the worrying prognosis for the future, and the warnings articulated by climate researchers. Welcome to the opening at 14:00 saturday 12. September 2009. (more…)

The first Risør International Photo Festival was a huge artistic success. During the festival, more than 22,000 entries were registered in the 20 participating local galleries. Roger Ballen, the world famous and controversial photographer from South Africa held a lecture at the Peace House, showing his work and explaining his approach to photography. His exhibition at gallery Solsiden 10 was among the most visited and also the most discussed. Ballen said, ”I am an artist and my photographs are quite personal. I like the images to create discussion and to create turmoil and confusion.”

There were very many positive reviews of the festival in the local, national, and international news media. Jim Casper, editor of Lens Culture in Paris, said, ”The Fotofestival in Risør was impressive in all aspects. The artistic level was very high, and the many of the galleries spaces were perfect for exhibiting fine art photography. And the festival itself was very well organized.” Casper said he was thrilled to take the trip from Paris to Risør to experience fine art photography — especially Norwegian photography which is little known outside of Norway. (more…)