The exhibition, taking place from 23 November 2013 to 1 June 2014, is the result of a collaboration between Lillehammer Art Museum and Maihaugen (Open Air Museum in Norwegen) on a presentation of textiles past and present. The exhibits at Maihaugen, drawn from its large collection of 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century textiles, illustrate the cultural history of textile expression up to the 20th century. Lillehammer Art Museum takes over at the point where textiles begin to evolve from useful objects to creative expression, and the exhibition includes pioneers of textile art such as Frida Hansen (1855–1903), Hannah Ryggen (1894–1970) and Synnøve Anker Aurdal (1908–2000). In the last few years textile expressions have become a significant contemporary art form. Textile artists are exploring not only traditional techniques, but also the relationship between textiles and other art forms and between the industrial and the hand-made. The Museum exhibition shows a selection of contemporary artists whose expressions illustrate these themes. The work of the artist Kari Steihaug (b. 1962) forms a bridge between the two collections. Magasin Maihaugen was inspired by a find in the Maihaugen collection, of old clothes used as wall insulation in a building from the late 19th century. With these as her point of departure, Steihaug has created a story told in photographs, text and reconstructed clothes. (www.lillehammerartmuseum.com/?p=5851) -Press information and press photos
