Knut Henrik Henriksen

For Norwegian artist Knut Henrik Henriksen, the exhibition space itself is both material and subject. By creating minimal yet impactful site-specific installations, the artist prompts consideration of the function of the gallery, questioning its role in transforming material into valuable objects both monetarily and culturally. Henriksen’s investigation of the exhibition space has deep art historical roots, dating back to 1958 when Yves Klein first exhibited an empty gallery space at Galerie Iris Clert in Paris. At his 2006 solo exhibition at Standard in Oslo, Henriksen lowered the ceiling of the gallery to reflect the ideal ceiling height of 2.26 meters according to the French architect Le Corbusier. As the viewer enters the gallery, it may initially appear as if there is no exhibition at all; the gallery is empty. But Henriksen’s subtle interventions slowly seep into the viewer's bodily experience as they participate within the work, sizing their bodies up to the relative dimensions of the space. 

 

Henriksen has held solo exhibitions at venues such as Sommer & Kohl in Berlin, Elastic in Malmö, Hollybush Gardens in London, Galerie Denise René in Paris, Standard in Oslo, Art Center for Contemporary Art in Fribourg, among others.  Group exhibitions include Leeds Art Gallery in UK, Galerie de multiples in Paris, Overgaden in Copenhagen, and the Royal College of Art in London, among many others.