The artists aim to use this residency to bring new perspectives and renewed energy into their work. Both have expressed a strong interest in Finnish art and culture and intend not only to create new work during their stay but also to connect with local artists and gain insight into the Finnish art scene.
Ludvigsen’s practice is rooted in darkroom work, and the residency will be dedicated to shooting and processing film, experimenting with materials, and producing small prints. Over the years, she has developed experimental and improvisational printing methods, which she is eager to continue refining. Ludvigsen’s artistic practice is currently in transition: after a decade of working with large format (4×5″), they have recently begun using a Mamiya 7ii (6×7 cm). This shift opens new possibilities for exploring more “social” motifs, exemplified by the work Blå bølge.
Rysjedal is a comic artist with roots in artists’ books and zine culture. He is working on two new comics while visiting Finland: Adieu Tulli and The Red Stone. Adieu Tulli is a dramatisation of one of the first successful heart surgeries in Norway, and The Red Stone is an investigation into the contrasts and similarities between the people who lived here 10,000 years ago. Rysjedal is interested in the documentary value of comics and wants to capture the culture from the west coast of Norway in his work.