We are delighted to share that A K Dolven is part of the upcoming exhibition NEW WORKS at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
The recently acquired 16mm film ‘amazon’ will be featured in the exhibition, opening 2 December.
A K Dolven ‘amazon’ is a 16 mm film projection of an androgynous figure shooting a bow and arrow. A fast edit gives this minute and a half long film the sense of a single shot. For the most part, the camera is tight on the body – neck, chest and arm muscles snap between tension and rest. When it jumps back the camera exposes the torso as that of a single-breasted woman. Under the glare of harsh sunlight the woman relentlessly shoots arrow after arrow, each imprinting stark shadows on her skin. Her target is never visible; what is involved in getting the arrow to it seems more vital than where or what the target might be. ‘amazon’ makes reference to the Greek myth of a matriarchal society of brave female warriors who are said to have cut off one breast to hit their target better. The work speaks of harnessed strength, female courage and determination.
‘amazon’ was conceptually edited after the second movement, Allegro Molto, of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No.8b In C Minor, Op. 110; a score composed following a visit to Dresden where Shostakovich was confronted with the devastating effects of the bombing of the city during the war. In the end, however, the film is mute. Music extracted, the remaining sound in this installation is the noise produced by the 16 mm projector.
Camera: Vegar Moen
Editor with artist: Ulrike Munch
