Sofie Njålsdatter Johannessen

Ph.d project

Aesthetics of "the Loop" in our Contemporary 

This project explores the ways that literary and visual artists employ repetition as an aesthetic expression of - and response to - the experience of our contemporary. It shows how British video artist Ed Atkins, American poet and essayist Claudia Rankine and Danish author Solvej Balle aestheticize a time period more and more are starting to associate with repetitive loops and never-ending cycles of repetition.  Atkins uses video loops which force both the digital surrogates and the spectator into repetitive cycles. Rankine mimics the repetitive patterns of systemic racism and invites us to experience them with her. Balle explores the many limitations and potentialities of the time-loop. The aim of this project is to consider the significance of repetition and its consequences in our time, engage with the "loop" critically and explore the potential for possible liberation from the restraints of repetitive loops.