MASTER'S EXAM: With inspiration from folktales, legends and phenomenas I made a personal interpretation of the superstitious Iceland where my characters play the roles of storytellers and messengers. I arranged visual observations and organised scenarios where I created moods and assosiations with base in the phenomenas which are most characteristic for Iceland’s cultural inheritage. Because it is so important to preserve this inheritage and continue to be fascinated by all of the wonderful things we see and hear about in Iceland, I used huldufólk and álfar (hidden people and elves) as the main source for inspiration. These are some of the most familiar characters within this nations folkbeliefs. To strenghten wonder as something valuable, I made a story based on an actual incident in Iceland; the financial crisis. I let my interpretations of álfar tell of an abstract and poetical story about this crisis with focus on the positive values!

By presenting some of Iceland’s old cultural heritage through visual pictures I wanted to wake the curiousity and wonder in people. This way I could contribute to increase the national pride among the inhabitants in Iceland. This project was also awarded with a nomination in the biggest annual event for the creative industry in Norway called Visuelt: http://www.visuelt.org/vinnere/2011/illustrasjon/studentarbeid/

PRINTS: You can buy signed and numbered prints of most of these drawings in my online shop: http://epla.no/shops/katrinberge/. Or order through me directly at katrin.berge@gmail.com