“You see this goblet?” asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. “For me this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious
For this exhibition, Vidar Koksvik has explored the sculptural potential of the wine glass stem. Throughout history, the stem has served as a subject for creative expression—a small sculpture meant to delight guests around the table. In his recent works, Koksvik has, to some extent, retained the recognizable form of the glass's bowl and base, while allowing the stem to become a site for experimentation. Here, cherubs of the Renaissance meet snakes and dragons, juxtaposed with down-to-earth Norwegian motifs such as mountains and traditional storehouses. It is within this tension that Koksvik creates a subtle humor and a sense of surprise.
The glass’s function as a vessel for wine is preserved, yet it becomes secondary to a message or narrative—one that may be so compelling that the wine drinker is challenged both technically and intellectually.
Vidar Koksvik (b. 1969) was trained in glassblowing at Glasskolan in Orrefors, Sweden. He holds a BA in Three-Dimensional Design from The Surrey Institute of Art and Design in England and an MA in Curatorial Practice from the University of Bergen. He has extensive experience from glass workshops around the world, including a period at the now-closed Randsfjord Glassworks in Jevnaker.
Since 1998, Koksvik has been established as a glass artist in Norway—first for four years at the Egenart glass studio at Bærums Verk, and later at Klart Glass studio in Grue, Innlandet.
Koksvik works in blown and freehand-shaped glass and is dedicated to exploring the properties of the material through these techniques. He develops his artistic language by sampling from the history of glass art and playfully engaging with references and expectations.
Koksvik’s works can be found in the collections of the National Museum, KODE, the Nordenfjeldske Museum of Decorative Arts, Norges Bank, Sørlandets Kunstmuseum, and Sunnfjord Kunstmuseum, as well as in numerous private collections. His chandeliers have been commissioned for a wide range of public buildings.
The exhibition is supported by a regional grant from BKH, the Arts Bank Center for Contemporary Art, and regional project funding from KIN.
ABOUT
Format was founded in 1991 and is a leading gallery for contemporary crafts and design in Norway. The gallery is an exhibition and sales venue of the finest artistic quality within the material-based arts. The gallery aims to strengthen the position of Norwegian contemporary crafts and design internationally and through working with both established and emerging artists the gallery reflects the various tendencies in contemporary crafts and design today. The gallery’s goal is to challenge established norms while highlighting key values in the field by actively bringing a wider spectrum of artistic practices in material-based art to the fore.
Open Call for exhibition space will be announced on our website, newsletter and social platforms. Open applications can be sent to oslo@format.no, containing artist bio and statement, images and concept.
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Tuesday - Friday 12 - 17
Saturday - Sunday 12 - 16
Closed during the Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and Summer Holidays (July)
Accessibility
Format is accessible for disabled guests and wheelchair users. You can find a wheelchair access next door to the gallery in Kongens gate.
Contact
Format
Rådhusgaten 24 N-0151 Oslo
T +47 22 41 45 40
oslo@format.no