05 Feb 2011

Arctic Conquistadors: Olga Kisseleva is mapping the Arctic

The digital animation ARCTIC CONQUISTADORS examines the tensions and conflicts characterizing the Arctic today. The Arctic space is being re-mapped / re-drawn / re-appropriated by the traditional stakeholders and newcomers, be it private or state-owned corporations, governmental or non-governmental bodies. The artist reflects on how the current situation is effected by the overlapping interests of geopolitical and corporate powers, referring to the 'global conquests'.

Kisseleva's work answers the question who is the Arctic today? First, logos of the companies appear where they are now located. Then the logos start invading the whole map following the rhythm that echoes rapidly growing activities in the Arctic.

To build 'Arctic Conquistadors' she is working with the Departments of Economics and Political Sciences of Sorbonne. They cooperate with the Business and Industry Advisory Committee of the OECD, the Norwegian Barents Secretariat, the International Barents Secretariat and Platform (London).

Other artists invited to produce the works for the exhibition MIND THE MAP! within the festival Barents Spektakel 2011 in Kirkenes are Morten Traavik (Norway) and Stefano Cagol (Italy).

Olga Kisseleva's approach to her work is much the same as a scientist's. She questions an issue, formulates a hypothesis, and proposes a solution to the problem. Besides being an artist, Kisseleva has always studied mathematics, physics and political studies. Thus, her artistic career is a constant search between art and science, art and sociology, art and psychology. Now Olga Kisseleva is Director of the Art&Science Program at the Faculty of Arts, Pantheon-Sorbonne University, Paris.
www.kisseleva.org