Art Box Portal //

Is photography a form of storytelling? And is that the case in every society? Photography in a city where people are neither born nor buried, and where the average stay is only 6 years, holds special significance if it testifies to the continuity of a family, a local community, and the city itself. Currently on display at the Nordover Art Center is Tidslag – Hverdagsliv på Svalbard, an exhibition that delves into the everyday lives of families in Longyearbyen, showcasing how their experiences and connections shape their identities in this unique Arctic environment.

Nordover Art Center opened in November 2022 as the world’s northernmost art center, located in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. It features temporary exhibitions and events from Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum alongside the permanent Kåre Tveter Foundation Collection.

Currently on display is Tidslag – Hverdagsliv på Svalbard, an exhibition dedicated to exploring the layers of time in Svalbard’s everyday life — the island’s rich history and evolving identity through three generations of the Grøndal family.

Featuring historical photographs by Herta Lampert Grøndal and Leif Grøndal, contemporary re-photos by Eva Grøndal, and music composed by Aggie Grøndal Peterson, the exhibition highlights residents’ deep connections with their community and the unique Svalbard landscape.

Eva Grøndal was born in Longyearbyen. She was an „illegal“ child since her parents were not office staff. She spent her childhood with her grandparents in Vienna and then with foster parents in Drammen while her mother Herta traveled between her native Austria, Norway, and Svalbard, where she continued to take photos. In 2008. Eva moved to Longyearbyen. She worked on rephotography for the past decade, which involves photographing the same place or subject as her parents did to document changes over time.

Together, these elements create a powerful narrative that intertwines personal memories with broader social themes, emphasizing the significance of local stories in understanding the challenges and changes faced by the community.

The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their ties to the place and the resilience of those who call Longyearbyen home.

The photo exhibition will remain at Nordover until 3 November 2024.