Stockholm-based curator Alida Ivanov describes herself as “really interested in how myths around art and people are built,” and her latest project Eriksson & Mullan is currently exploring those myths online through the medium of video.
Having run her own art space from 2009 to 2011, the 27-year-old is currently pursuing her MA via the International Curating Art Program at Stockholm University. Her previous focus on young, up-and-coming Swedish and international artists continues in her latest project, which will reach its climax with a collaborative work of art and a live performance.
Tell us more about the project!
The project was launched in the end of November 2012 as a webpage and it is updated continually. When one posts a video on the webpage, the other will answer with another video. In their responses, they remain independent of each other. The story unfolds in the direction of how the two artists choose to interpret the other’s visual language. The project as a whole contains an element of surprise, but is also based on the two artists’ previous work, and on their relationship and independence.
How did you come up with the idea?
I really wanted to do something with Simon and Klas. I’ve followed both of them for years and they work with similar themes, so I had a desire to pair them up. Conveniently, they share a studio, but Klas is currently in Finland, so this project had to be internet-based. Both work with video and came up with this kind of discussion, dialogue – sometimes a battle – through video art.
Who are Klas Eriksson and Simon Mullan?
Klas Eriksson is a Stockholm-based artist who graduated from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. His point of departure is mass culture, and by applying various strategies he explores our notions of authenticity, power and artistic expression. He borrows expressions from popular culture, subculture and different power structures.
Simon Mullan is an artist from Vienna in Austria, but is based in Stockholm and Berlin. He graduated from The University of Applied Arts in Vienna and the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. Through his work, he has searched, explored and questioned conceptions and clichés of masculinity, macho culture, human fear and passion.
Both artists work mainly with video, performance and sculpture.
How did you all find each other?
Fate! It’s a long story! Too long for this interview!
What is the goal of the project?
The goal is to explore and question the role of the artist and how inspiration occurs. And of course to have fun while doing so!
What are your plans for the future?
I have a couple of other projects in the pipeline and then I really hope to finish my thesis on the TV reality shows Work of Art and School of Saatchi. Hopefully, these plans culminate in a warm and sunny place.
