Business As Unusual

Even though her compositions are always simple, even minimal, Bræin displaces the beauty and impersonal vocabulary of the minimalism with the coincidences of daily life. In that way, they create clever comments on modernism, both its form and ideology. With such an installation, Bræin shows in a playful way how it is possible to apply old sculptural and architectural conventions without being loyal to them. She creates space for a new perspective.

Kristina Bræin about her own work: For me a room is never empty. In its bare form is already full of elements and possible connections, and an atmosphere to be aware of. In my work I wish to reveal these potential connections as much as create new pieces of art.

My mentality is not to compete with the space; I rather want to make a kind of dialogue with it. In my process I start out with some materials, often from my immediate surroundings. It could be objects from everyday life, leftovers, in general anything that catches my eye could be a potential part of my work. Then to remove all that is not absolutely necessary is a way for me to sharpen my mind , and also sharpen the dialogue with the space. I insist on modesty and softness to be powerful. Still precision is of great importance. Extreme openness must be balanced by precise actions.