Paintings

Bitte Ragnhild Barth Fiane born 1955 in Tønsberg.

Short biography and statement.

From the past in search of permanence , towards the present.

There  are amongst the treasures of the past, such as in artworks, alternative ways of experiencing and thinking beneficial to us.Although this might be less accessible  in todays terminology, there are probably eyeopeners in areas where we have unsatisfied needs..

The need for permanence, faith, spiritual belonging and wholeness while we try to make sense of life.Humans are the same.

Bearing in mind the harsh reality of human exchanges in the past, we can nonetheless  experience artworks that are achievements of human excellence.

I recognize that my roots are in the past, even in the far past.

As a child , I had great opportunities to admire its manifestations : Architecture, literature and arts , wherever I lived, but mainly in France.This became an important source of inspiration later, for especially my textile  wall- hangings, rooted in ancient tapestries.

Higher educatiion evolved around literature. Also, there are traces of this in my art: I am unmistakably

narrative. By the time I had achieved my degrees, an increasing sense of alienation lead to a search  for another area of expression. In fact, the studying of literature had evolved into expressing myself. 

It was time to move on. I did not have to look far , as drawing and experiments with textile or other materials had been faithful companions of my childhood.

This is where my heart was , and is.  To be put off by being an autodidact in this field , was not an option.

From oilpainting I started with textileworking and this resulted in a soloexhibition in 2006, in Oslo.

A slow, timeconsuming path that I followed subbornly , lead to composite works. I mixed techniques : Piecing, quilting, felting, embroidery, knitting and silk painting. I physically worked my way through the materials: Wool, silk, cotton and sometimes metal-thread, bearing in mind the permanence , the historical roots of womens craftsmanship.

Iconographically  and with a strong language of colours ,they are unfinished tales and invitations to complete in individual ways. I want people to enjoy the pleasures of their own creativity and imagination. Figures, humans,animals and mythological creatures are often set in unusual surroundings, acting often in unexpected ways. The intention is to free people from stereotypes and open their minds.

The narrative of the tale had also been an important part of my private life. I lived with a continuous necessity to preserve, protect, guide and create a sort of microcosmos that made sense.

I moved to Tenerife in 2018 and began painting again. Presently I alternate painting and creating wallhangings. These are different ways of working , hopefully mutually beneficial. Painting allows the process to unfold in the present and opens for improvisations. Working with the needle requires careful planning. They are different approaches to time.For some years I  have also made wearable artworks in the form of individual bags. Le Jardin de Maud: www.jardindemaud.com

I have been in the art group Y since 2021.

Evolving 

Changes appear gradually. These are responses as I experience the unfolding of my work. One finished piece, requires an answer and slightly changed focus. The path goes on .

The Art Group Y 

Y was founded in 2021 as an attempt to create an international ,artistic group in the aftermath of the covid lockdown.

This was a norwegian initiative and the members have been Tara Djume from Norway, Fransisco Armas Padron from Venezuela, Davide Battaglia from Italy and myself. After 2 big exhibitions there will be changes, as 2 more members are joining. Tara Djume had to leave the group.

We have enjoyed the results of this cooperation as our highly different techniques have created a most satisfying synergy. In the future,  we will strive to continue in this spirit.