Eline Medbøe

Planned projects and exhibitions

Through my work, I want to challenge our value concepts when it comes to materials and textiles. I want to show that the worn and used has its own aesthetic that goes much deeper than the new and polished.

For the past 15 years, I have only used recycled materials in my art production. In a world with enormous overconsumption, where the textile industry and “fast fashion” is one of the major burdens on the environment, it makes sense to use the textiles we get rid of and to make something new from what is discarded. In this material I find a picture of ourselves and the society we live in, how we live our lives. I explore durability, ways to repair and strengthen and sew by hand. How long can a textile be part of a meaningful life? I find inspiration in older hand sewing techniques and different traditions for repair.

I am currently working on two projects:

“I find Shelter in our remains” consists of large textile installations, quilts and sculptures. Several layers of used clothes and textiles are sewn together with repetitive hand stitches. They become like large flakes that can give associations to skin or skin traps. The works connect clothes from different people and times with needle and thread. In the process, the textiles are transformed and become more voluminous, the shape changes and they are no longer perceived as clothing.
I leave all traces of what it has been visible in the works. Details such as zippers, clothing marks, washcloths, wear and stains become visible when you go closer to the work.

In “The act of mending”, I explore different ways to repair and reshape clothing. The project consists of a series of garments, books and a photo project where I collaborate with photographer Geir Dokken.
Mending is, for me, an act of acknowledging the damage.
Have respect for what has led to wear and tear and damage.
The goal is not to hide, it is to strengthen and strengthen the worn area.
The repair is like a scar you wear with pride.
In this sense, mending is an attitude that is about more than clothes and textiles.
It’s about how we relate to the world.
That we have respect for materials, people and resources that are used to create what we have around us.
In the future, I will expand the collection of garments I have repaired and transformed and create a common wardrobe. People are invited into the project by borrowing garments that are worn further. In this way, the garments will be used and worn by different people, repaired and transformed into a cycle. I get the chance to explore how long a garment can be repaired and used. The process they go through is documented and logged. It lays the foundation for exhibitions and a digital archive. During 2022, I will establish a showroom for the project at Startblokka, Linderud, where I will rent a room. I hope to be able to work on the project over many years so that I can go in depth and explore how long the materials can withstand use.

For several years I have collaborated with Fotograf Geir Dokken on a photo series that shows clothes I have repaired for others. We want to continue the series and collect the photographs in a book that documents the project. The book will also include tips on repair methods.

In addition to my own projects, I lead redesign and repair activities for children, young people and families through the organization RELOVE at Startblokka. Since graduating in 2003, I have held workshops and led social projects. Sewing together provides an entrance to unite people from different cultures, give children and young people a feeling of mastery and belonging. Since 2013, I have held workshops aimed at children and young people. I started the voluntary organization RELOVE in 2015, which works locally in Oslo with the collection of recycled materials as well as courses and activities for children and young people in creative recycling, repair and redesign. All activities are led by professionals, a total of 13 artists and designers leading activities in different parts of Oslo.