On 9 August Ståle Stenslie opens the exhibition Click Print Shoot at gallery TM51 in Oslo. KUNSTforum asked him some questions about his art and what inspires him.
Ståle Stenslie: Click Print Shoot
Can you tell us about your current exhibition?
The Click Print Shoot-show is a performative production of functional weapons printed on cheap 3D printers. It is a critical reflection on the current debate on violence, terrorism and defense, but also a dystopian comment on the future of our society. This year we celebrate the anniversary of Munchs birth. As he focused on the existential expression of angst, suffering and death, likewise Click Print Shoot is a technological portrait of similar and still prevailing issues. As an art project the show poses difficult questions – the ones we cannot or even wish not to answer.
How would you describe your work process from idea to work?
As a continuous madness of work, process, uncertainty, trial and testing.
Ståle Stenslie: Click Print Shoot
What are your main influences when creating a work of art?
Overall my works of art must first of all be read as inspired comments on contemporary society. I believe art cannot be understood outside the context of the Now. Secondly, when I deal with art & technology I am inspired by what is recently made technological possible. Technology is never neutral or apolitical and must therefore be scrutinized, investigated and commented. This approach is an integral part of my ongoing, open ended artistic research.
Can you name an artist/artwork or exhibition that has inspired you?
As a former student at the Düsseldorf Art Academy I find Beuys’ work and ideas on the social plastics still hugely inspirational and significant. This was beautifully manifested in Thomas Hirschhorn’s Bataille Monument during Documenta 11.
Ståle Stenslie: Click Print Shoot
Can you name a writer or book, fiction or theory that has inspired your works?
Crash by J. G. Ballard – because we don’t live reality. We write and invent it.
Recently I have also found much pleasure in Richard Shusterman’s writing on Somaesthetics. As a philosopher he has made significant contributions as to how we can understand ourselves in relation to the living body, culture and aesthetics.
Why is art important?
Because we make it.