Gjert Rognli is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

The force of nature is at the heart of Gjert Rognli’s art practice, he works with films, photography, sculpture and performance. He often draws in references from his affiliation with Arctic Northern Norway, to light, darkness and the seasons, and the artwork floats between surrealism and mythology.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

Early in my career I started working as an assistant for scenographers at the National Theater in Oslo and got a very good response to the creative work I did, this made me "Woke up" and saw the drive and potential I had in me to work creatively for myself.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

I find it important that the works I do have a meaning, a goal for debate and provocation. But also give something beautiful to the seer, something uplifting in a world that can be challenging for all of us.

And how about what inspires you?

I find inspiration and great joy from the background of my Sámi indigenous people in Artistic Northern Norway. A cultural heritage that has meant a lot to me as an artist and human being. I often use references from the intangible cultural heritage from the Sámi culture and bring it into my works. This culture is an important part of our world heritage, and it is a great pleasure to bring that heritage forward in my way through art.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

The challenge as an artist is to be outside your own comfort zone, a choice I see creates growth for me creatively. A challenging choice that can be uncomfortable, but a fantastic potential for creativity and progression for me as an artist.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

The projects I work on now take place mostly in nature, where it can be a long way to walk to the location where photo and film recordings take place. After work of the material takes place in the studio.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I have a desire to find out more about drone photography, then you get access to other sections and exciting ways to create new works, as well as underwater photography. Two perspectives that we as humans do not often experience in our daily work.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

I am now in Iceland, a month's residency stay where I work on continuing the experiences from the photo project "What nature knows". It is a fantastic landscape to work in, but also the challenges as the weather can be unpredictable here.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

Being selected for ArtConnect Artist to Watch is a fantastic opportunity to be seen as an artist, and I hope this opportunity will sow seeds for growth for me as an artist.

See more of Gjert’s work

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