CLAMBER, SCRAMBLE, CRAWL (hold fast) (2021) by Signe Solberg
Clamber, Scramble, Crawl (hold fast) was developed for Gruvene skulpturpark and installed on the rock face in 2021. The work is a further development of the sculpture Clamber, Scramble, Crawl, which Signe Solberg showed in the exhibition 26 kunstnere – 26 år at Bomuldsfabriken Kunsthall in 2020.
The sculpture extends approximately 25 metres along the rock face and consists of a series of geometric forms in patinated copper. The forms are mounted directly on the rock surface at rhythmic intervals and follow the horizontal extent of the open-pit mine. The sharply defined surfaces contrast with the irregular surface of the rock, while also relating to cracks, level differences and other structures in the rock wall.
The copper has been treated with an artificially produced patina, giving the surface a characteristic blue-green colour. The material changes over time as a result of weather, humidity and temperature variations. The colour will vary, and the expression of the sculpture is affected by the changing light conditions throughout the day and the seasons.
The choice of copper connects the work to the site where it is placed. Although Torbjørnsbu gruve is primarily known for the extraction of iron ore, other metals also occur in the bedrock. In some places in the open-pit mine, traces of copper minerals can still be seen in the rock. Copper also has a long tradition as a building material and has been used for everything from roofing to architectural details. The material thus establishes connections between geology, mining and architecture.
Signe Solberg (b. 1985, Oslo) lives and works in Hobøl. She works with sculpture, installation and site-specific projects, often made in metal and other industrial materials.
