Earlier in the year I visited my brother in Oslo. He lives out there and has done for many years. During our visit my mum and I went to see one of the museums, (in fact, we went to about as many museums as it's possible to fit into a week of sightseeing) which had no English translations anywhere. All of the wording about the exhibits in this particular museum were in Norwegian only. As such I have no idea who made the art in this post and can't credit it to them, but whoever it is, you are wonderful and incredibly talented.
Wandering around the museum, in a section which appeared to be devoted to medieval spoons, I stumbled upon these backdrops to the display cabinets. They seemed to be designed as a backdrop only - I couldn't identify any text which looked like it referred to them in Norwegian. Whilst everyone around me peered at spoons I was busy snapping pictures of the fabric, 3D backdrops to the cases.
I don't know what the law is regarding photos of art and I can't credit the artist, because I don't even know who they are. But hopefully the fact that I'm saying how shit-hot incredible they are means I won't get into too much trouble.
The female had a pair of thin gold glasses on, which really appealed to me (as a fellow specs wearer particularly), because it isn't often that you see women in art wearing glasses - especially not glamorous, princess figures.
These are not naturally handsome people. They have odd unseemly features, large noses, big fleshy chins, and yet they are completely beautiful.
The detailing involved is simply stunning - look at that pig's head!
It's a simple idea, but the execution is sublime. It really makes me want to look at creating some 3D fabric art too.
The warts! The hair! That smoke! His hand!
A couple of them were free-standing figures, illustrating the tools from the exhibit (although most seemed to be completely unrelated to the items in the case below). It was the friar which first made me stop and pay attention. He has ginger stubble poking out of his bald spot, which seemed such wonderful attention to detail, and the most lovable face.
For me, this next one is the star of the show. I love everything about her. Especially how grotesque her face is, whilst at the same time beautiful. I think I kind of want to be her. I like cats. Not sure about getting naked with them, but still, cats.
Look how unbothered the cat is. 'Whatevs love, stick some clothes on already'
I've been trying to work out what their faces are made from but I have no idea. It's like they're plasticine, but fabric. I don't understand how you could do that with fabric, they're so detailed.
So many questions about this one... is she flying a kite? Swinging a whip? Is that a big burn on her face? Why? Who knows.
This one relates to the exhibit around it. Also it features the lesser-seen spider-horse. Spider horse, spider horse, la la la la la spider horse...
This one makes me think of a constellation. Also the guy has great hair. I want me some of that hair.
The next one is a bit terrifying, but I did like the weird moonface next to him, so I took a closer one of that.
IKR? Bit scary
And finally, I think this one must be some kind of a comment on the state and religion...
So there y'are. I absolutely loved them, as I think my gushing has probably shown. It makes me want to get sewing and create my own 3D fabric art. I wish I could tell you the name of the museum even, but my memory is terrible. I *think* it might have been called the Norwegian National Museum, but don't quote me on it.
Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments. xxx
