Edinburgh Printmakers Presents...
Magne F - alpha beta
16 January to 06 March 2010
An exhibition of prints of the alphabet by Magne F, shown in association with the Paul Stolper Gallery, London. Magne Furuholmen has had a parallel career as a visual artist throughout his time as songwriter and keyboardist in Norwegian synthpop/rock band a-ha.
This portfolio consists of 30 works, in drypoint and monotype of every individual letter in the alphabet, as well as the specific Norwegian letters æ, ø, å, and an exclamation mark for good measure.
Alpha beta marks a logical conclusion of Magne F’s fascination with and use of words and language over the last decade. The alphabet, broken down now to its smallest components - single letters, become building blocks placed in the hands of the viewer, to make new words and meaning as they see fit; initials or word-combinations made up wholly outside the artist’s control. “I like the idea of deconstructing constructions - my own or other people’s. The alphabet can be seen as a kind of ‘before’ and ‘after’, as a marketplace of unused possibility, a place of components of possible words and as a scrapheap of language where all the meaning and intention is reduced to its smallest fragments.”
Furuholmen, b.1962 began exhibiting in earnest in 1989; so self-expression through combinations of sound, words and images has been a constant part of his life: “with visual art just like with music, I feel that I am working with words, composition, rhythm, sensation and atmosphere”, he says. The first 500 prints sold will be accompanied by a limited edition 12" vinyl disc signed and numbered with a new Magne F composition, titled ‘Word Symphony’. ‘Word Symphony’ is a unique project that takes as it’s foundation the vocals of from a-ha’s highly acclaimed new album “Foot of the Mountain”.
Magne has composed and constructed ‘Word Symphony’ using these existing sounds as raw material, whereby he deconstructs, stretches and reconfigures the vocals, taking them out of the original context melodically and linguistically, and creating a completely new piece of music in its place. In this ground-breaking experiment, the lyrics are thus pushed into new and unchartered territory. Much like the way Magne’s letters are re-constituted by the viewer, so Morten’s vocals, already such a signature in people’s minds, are contorted, manipulated and re-presented by the artist. “I see the Word Symphony as a re-circulation project, taking apart something meticulously constructed, then melting and moulding it into something else.”
Exclusive Events!
Magne F at Edinburgh Printmakers!
Wednesday 17th February
Artist Talk by Magne F
4.30-5.30pm
Magne F will be in discussion with Paul Stolper about the works in his exhibition.
Tickets £8 each, available from [email protected] or
T 0131 557 2479. Please book early to avoid disappointment!
Reception with Magne F
6-8pm
Join Magne F for an exclusive reception to celebrate his exhibition. All welcome!
This exhibition and related events are supported by The Glasshouse, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Printmakers
23 Union Street Edinburgh EH1 3LR
T 0131 557 2479
www.edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk
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