Becoming Local

Artistic Research project

Technical data: photographs, videos, actions, events

Events: Språkkafe, Språkgrill, Språkkjeks (every summer for a few weeks, up until now)

Participants: Jasmina, Natalia, Lizzie, Dragica, Lejla, Youssou. Language teacher: Sara. Guests: Unni Gjertsen, Arild Eriksen. Video interviews with: Lizzi, Ragner, Youssou, Pawel, Jasmina.

Who among us hasn't pondered the question of becoming local? When do we truly feel like we belong, and how do we navigate the process of becoming? Is it a universal experience, or is it unique to each individual?

The question of becoming local has followed my practice for the last twenty years as I've worked internationally on projects related to the local context with local actors who might not be understood as local at all. I developed specific methods of working based on situated ethics based on the examination of the local context.

After I became unemployed (2020) in Norway, this question became part of the hidden agenda, answered with arguments based on not knowing: not-knowing the language, culture, place, and history.

With this project, I'm exploring through my own experience of the place where I live and the situation I encounter, the idea of becoming; what is reality and how do I perceive it.

How can we accept in our everyday reality what Taiye Selasi offers in her writing: "All identity is local; all experience is local! I'm a local; I'm a multi-local!"

Exercise Nr. 1: Learning History

Steinbruvannet, 2019; 17. mai på Ammerud skole, 1958 (photo: Petter Heier); Ammerudgrenda, 1960; Ammerudgrenda, 2020.

Exercise Nr. 2: Learning Language

Ammerud tunnel, 2020; Ammerudlia, 2020.

Exercise Nr. 3: Learning Culture

Youssou Diop, lake Vesletjern, 2020.