#NewNationalCitizen2014

13min

Credit: Kim Sletbach Groustra (Camera)

May 2014, at Kunstakademiet i Oslo BA Avgangsutstilling 2014, Oslo

I use my own formal acceptance into the Norwegian Nation to see how nationality plays a role in self-identification and representation. The video documents my participation in the annual ceremony for new national citizens at Oslo City Hall in 2014.

The narrative is served with the preconception that defining identity by nationality is an embarrassingly naïve act. My interest here lies in questioning the grounds on which viewers make their opinions about the ceremony through this video. Are these opinions influenced by conscious or unconscious ”good/bad” judgments? Is it possible to reflect on your primal position beyond initial judgment, without political and emotionally loaded reactions?