INTERVIEW: Renata Maiblum tells us about an exciting land art museum project on a Norwegian island

ArtworldNow chats to Renata Maiblum, Founder of Land Art Museum, a project which aims to transform an entire island into an open-air museum dedicated to land art.

Renata Maiblum, Project Founder

How did the idea of the Land Art Museum come about and why specifically a focus on land art?
The idea for the museum started a few years ago, particularly during Covid lockdown, when I was reflecting on changes in the world. I realised the need for a different way of perceiving art, without so many walls or explanations. That’s when I envisioned a museum without walls, showcasing artworks that don’t have written descriptions — just art in its pure form. I began to think about how museums and galleries could open their doors in a different way. This led to the idea of transforming an island into an exhibition platform -— an open-air museum without walls. Choosing to create an open-air museum for land art felt like a natural decision.

The focus is on land art, also known as earth or environmental art, because it challenges traditional views of art as a commodity. Land art connects deeply with nature and rejects commercialism; it isn’t easily bought or sold, so its value isn’t defined by a price tag. Since land art often highlights the power and beauty of nature, our vision is for the public to connect more deeply with the environment through art. In return, nature allows the public to experience art in a more meaningful way than they would in an enclosed space. I believe having the Land Art Museum across an entire island showcases both the strength of nature and the impact of art.

Installation by Danish artist Bjørg Dyg Nielsen

Why did you choose Hestøya Island?
Norway has beautiful nature, and having lived there for many years, I wanted to find a small, uninhabited island for this project. My colleague, Maria Konstanse Bruun, the Project Manager and Collaborating Partner, lives in central Norway, which is known for its stunning landscapes and many islands. We explored several possibilities and received a tip about Hestøya from Namsos municipality. After further research, meetings and visiting the island, we found it was perfect. It’s uninhabited and has two bridges connecting it to the mainland on two sides, making it easily accessible. There’s a variety of vegetation and it incorporates both inland and coastal elements. The island features a mix of older and newer woods, beaches, stones, and sand. Plus, it’s close to the mainland, easily reachable by car and bus, with an airport nearby.

Installation by Indian artist Chiman Dangi

How does the artist residency programme work? How much funding do the artists get and what can be expected in relation to the art itself?
We started this summer with an open call and we plan to continue this approach. It’s a great way to select artists and projects that align with the vision of the Land Art Museum. This year, although we didn’t have large funding, we were eager to start the project. As a result, we were able to accommodate five artists (Bjørg Dyg Nielsen, Chiman Dangi, Mary Bourne, Jan Detavernier and Leif Inge Xi), who receive a daily food allowance, and a fee of €1,000. They can stay in the residency for up to one month during this September/October. The art pieces created will remain on the island for as long as the Land Art Museum exists. Our goal is to fill the island with numerous land art pieces, inviting selected artists to explore the landscape and create works that align with the vision of the Land Art Museum while reflecting their unique artistic perspectives.

Scottish artist Mary Bourne working on her land art piece on Hestøya

Are the works ephemeral or permanent? How will the museum document the pieces for archive?
There will be a mix of both permanent and ephemeral artworks. However, all artworks will be documented with photos and/or videos and archived online on our website. Additionally, we plan to open a Centre for Land Art on the mainland, in Lund in the near future, where all the photos and videos will be displayed as part of a permanent exhibition.

Chiman Dangi working on his art installation

What can visitors to the Land Art Museum expect to see? Is it easy for local/international visitors to reach the island and view the works?
Visitors can expect a one-of-a-kind space. From our research, it appears that a land art museum spanning an entire island, focusing solely on land art, doesn’t exist elsewhere today. Typically, land art is not easily accessible, and visitors often have to travel to remote areas to see just one or a few pieces. Here, they will be able to explore many artworks in one place, and the island is relatively easy to reach.

Hestøya Island

How do you see the project developing in the near future and further down the line?
We look forward to securing greater funding next year so that we can work with more artists and get closer to launching the Land Art Museum. The aim is also in the near future to establish the Center for Land Art in Lund, where documentation of the works, Hestøya, and land art in general will be exhibited. The first artists have already begun their work and these are currently on the island. These initial pieces mark the beginning of our vision to create the world's first Land Art Museum  —  an open air-museum without walls. Visitors are welcome to explore and experience the art already installed on the island.

Artwork in process of being installed on Hestøya Island

For further details check landartmuseum.no and renatamaiblum.com