The Voyage Out is an exhibition concept that explores the overlapping interactions between nature, colonization, women's history, and humanity's attraction to the unknown. In Clare Langan's video work, "Floating World," the journey begins with the stone steps of Skellig Michael and continues to the skyscrapers in Dubai. This immersive experience transports us to a world where time and memory have ceased to exist. Ulla Schildt's works encompass photographs of research objects, fossils, and pieces based on the archive of Hanna Resvoll-Holmsen (1873-1943), a botanist, environmental activist, and pioneer in photography. Her works, "Vast Distances" and "Stargazers," offer contrasts to the archive-based work. Tonje Bøe Birkeland’s project THE CHARACTERS, submerges the viewer in her universe through large-scale photographs and carefully selected objects and texts. The aim of THE CHARACTERS is to encapsulate an entire artistic practice. Since 2008 Birkeland has, through THE CHARACTERS, given women a position within the landscape while exploring the authenticity of history.
Clare Langan (1967) studied visual arts at the National College of Art and Design/Dublin, and with a Fulbright scholarship she completed a film workshop at NYU. Her work The Floating World premiered at Kino De Kunst in 2013/Munich. The film received the Prix Videoformes 2014, Conseil Général du Puy de Dôme, VIDEOFORMES 2014/Clermont-Ferrand.
Ulla Schildt (1971) works with analogue and digital photography, video and installation. History, collective memory and man's relationship with nature are consistent themes in her artistic practice. Schildt is currently working on the book "Flowers from Svalbard" together with curator and art historian Stephanie von Spreter.
Tonje Bøe Birkeland (1985) has a master's in art from the University of Art & Design/Bergen. In 2008, she began work on THE CHARACTERS, a series of alter egos from the past, with the aim of developing the project over time, throughout her artistry. THE CHARACTERS is a feminist project, which problematizes man's place in nature.