Hordaland Kunstsenter

Tove Kårstad Haugsbø points out that most art histories start with the artist biography, which locks the production to a specific time and place. This is also the case with Nikolai Astrup, who in retrospect most often is described in relation to his village Jølster. The biographical interpretation is a platform also in Haugsbø's project, but she also aims to see Astrup as something different than a traditional "local painter". Through contemporary views on place, like in the 60s site specific art and an increasing focus on the importance of place in recent aesthetics and contemporary art, she finds new understandings which in turn can lead to new perspectives in the research on a painter like Nikolai Astrup. 

Tove Kårstad Haugsbø is currenty doing her MA in art history, and will finish her dissertation about Atrup's art in May 2010.  Haugsbø has previously studied both old and modern art, museology, religious studies, as well as art and craft at Bergen University College. She has also acted as museum host and mediator at Astruptunet in Sogn og Fjordane, and currently work as museum guide at Bergen Art Museum next to her studies. 

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Master Night is a series of lectures where both MA students and recently graduated art historians present their MA dissertations to a public. With Master Night Hordaland Art Centre wishes to bridge the gap between the academic and practicing art scenes in Bergen, and create a place for interaction between students and professionals. 

Eva Rem Hansen is responsible for this programme and Master Night is made possible due to good help from the study commitee of Art History at the University of Bergen.