preus museum x oslo negativ photo festival | ruptures

We live in a world where the political landscape is becoming more fragmented, and this leads to an increased polarization. The news depicts a rather dramatic worldview characterized by breaches of values that were previously taken for granted. Headlines are often dominated by themes such as economic downturns, war, the climate crisis, and political scandals. These are topics that divide us, and when discussed in closed echo chambers, public debate becomes more intense. The heightened level of conflict threatens both freedom of expression and human rights. Pandemics, civil disobedience, climate change, and war contribute to the fact that we are living in a state of perpetual exemption, and we are forced to take sides on every issue. Meanwhile, inequalities and class divides grow. Democratic dialogue becomes very challenging when power balances are shifting, and uncertainty reigns.

For this year's Oslo Negativ, we want to see photographic projects that shed light on ruptures with the past and the values we may have taken for granted. We want stories about minds closing and doors opening, about undercurrents setting the agenda, about solidarity and skepticism, about subcultures and popular movements, about injustice and rebellion, about underground and mainstream, about power and powerlessness, about inequalities and brotherhood. We want to see projects that problematize what is difficult but also attempt to look at the opportunities that exist in this time of upheaval.

Preus Museum is the national museum of photography in Norway and is a part of the board for Oslo Negativ Photo Festival which is Norway’s largest meeting point for people interested in photography. The museum and the festival aim to be inclusive and open to everyone. The organization of the festival is an active effort for Preus Museum to take a coordinating role within the photography field and the documentary environment in Norway. Showcasing photography in all its forms, and contributing to an arena where national and international artists and actors can come together in a concerted effort, is particularly important for the development of the museum.

The images are selected by a jury of experts who look for projects that have an interesting relation to the theme of the open call and show distinct visual qualities. The jury is free to choose the images to be displayed and the most interesting contributions will be awarded.