Svein Johan Reisang

In the Hall of the Mountain King Photography, 2'38'', 2008 Norway

Tell me something about you and artistic background.
I was born in Northern Norway and lived there both battling headwind and basking in the midnight sun until I moved to Oslo, where I studied classical drawing for one year. Since then I have focused on painting and drawing, although I do work in other visual mediums when the opportunity arises. I also work part-time in psychiatric care, a job that, besides making possible my artistic pursuits, also feeds into a larger goal: the driving force behind my artistic as well as personal interests is a desire to make visible those who need attention and to be seen, and to extend to those who need it, a hand.  

Tell me about this film, initial idea and work process.
The film was the result of a spontaneous idea that a colleague at Gaustad Psychiatric Hospital and I had of taking a series of pictures of one another in the empty common room (it was being painted). “In the Hall of the Mountain King” was perfect, both in terms of the rhythm and the more symbolic parallel between the psychiatry with its dark figures, as well as Peer Gynt’s little trip down into the cavern, where he got a glimpse of another side of life – that which lies under the mountain.

Are you working on new projects at the moment?
I am working on an exhibition that will take place from March 12 to 28, 2010, at KHK Gallery in Oslo under the title Prophets. The exhibition questions who our prophets are, what we do with them, and how we can prove that they truly are prophets, and not frauds. I am also currently working on a short film that is both an introduction to, and an investigation of, the concept of “Norwegianness.”

Why is it important for you to show your film/video in a festival?
I see this as an interesting and alternative way to present Ibsen’s classic play, that in my opinion also gives the viewer something to think about with its surrealist picture of psychiatry.

What role do you think Oslo Screen Festival should have to promote your work?
In addition to being the best possible way of giving a small introduction to the film and outlining the possible themes I have mentioned above, it would be wonderful if possible to mention my upcoming exhibition, Prophets, and say that all are heartily welcome.