Mario de la Ossa (1994)
I have been using my art to examine theories and stories containing traces of the darker sides of human behavior. For centuries we have tried to both explain and suppress urges, needs and our own human nature through the supernatural aspects of religion and storytelling. In my work I use the worlds of mythology and old literature as an anchor when diving deep into the exploration of the waters that is our behavior. I’m curious by nature and often get inspiration from the strangest places.
I live amongst ice bears and trolls in an introverted busy society known to the world as one of the economical and structural powerhouses. At the same time, I was born on the other side of the world. A place where both light and time moves differently; where the beach is drenched in sweat, and the rhythm moves with the pace of the heart. Ever since I can remember I’ve simultaneously been on neither and both sides in this cultural polar opposite. A lookout spot that has drawn me into exploring how we conform to the closest available set of norms, laws and other ways of going about our day to day lives.
Through my latest project Bergtagen, I took a closer look at the line that separates the classical documentary from the conceptual. I investigated the disappearance of the local town princess; the girl who was taken by the sublime nature and the towns outcast. Going about the story like you would any other. I talked to the locals, asked around, took their pictures and slowly but surely built a narrative.
I’m a big believer in keeping a steady pace, working hard and staying consistent. As I get further into the research, I start to see connections and similarities in my interests; I see the red thread stretching across the wall. I enjoy the whole process from the weird word manifesting itself in your thoughts all the way to the physical objects I wish the project to become. Whether it takes on the shape of a book, pamphlet, print or an installation.
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Education
2021 Photography, Bilder Nordic, Oslo
2019 - 2020 Photo Assistent, Ole Martin Halvorsen, Oslo
2012 Certificate of apprenticeship, Electrician, Kvadraturen skolesenter, Kristiansand
Prizes
2021 Langt fra - Hjemme, 1st place newcomer, Norwegian photo of the year
Group Exhibitions
2021 Håp, Fotografiens hus, Oslo, NO (Upcoming)
2021 Norwegian photo of the year, Galleri Oslo, Oslo, NO (upcoming)
2019-2020 I samme båt, Bruket, Oslo, NO
Books and publications
2021 Bergtagen, selfpublished
2021 Langt fra - Hjemme, Norwegian photo of the year 2020
2021 Boy with luv, ohyouprettyhingsmagazine
2021 Til verdens ende, Kontakt
Presentations
2021 Artist presentation, Oslo Kamera Klubb
2021 5x Presentation of different projects together with Marte Gundersen, for different county colleges
2021 Artist presentation, Open day, Bilder Nordic
Mario de la Ossa (1994)
I have been using my art to examine theories and stories containing traces of the darker sides of human behavior. For centuries we have tried to both explain and suppress urges, needs and our own human nature through the supernatural aspects of religion and storytelling. In my work I use the worlds of mythology and old literature as an anchor when diving deep into the exploration of the waters that is our behavior. I’m curious by nature and often get inspiration from the strangest places.
I live amongst ice bears and trolls in an introverted busy society known to the world as one of the economical and structural powerhouses. At the same time, I was born on the other side of the world. A place where both light and time moves differently; where the beach is drenched in sweat, and the rhythm moves with the pace of the heart. Ever since I can remember I’ve simultaneously been on neither and both sides in this cultural polar opposite. A lookout spot that has drawn me into exploring how we conform to the closest available set of norms, laws and other ways of going about our day to day lives.
Through my latest project Bergtagen, I took a closer look at the line that separates the classical documentary from the conceptual. I investigated the disappearance of the local town princess; the girl who was taken by the sublime nature and the towns outcast. Going about the story like you would any other. I talked to the locals, asked around, took their pictures and slowly but surely built a narrative.
I’m a big believer in keeping a steady pace, working hard and staying consistent. As I get further into the research, I start to see connections and similarities in my interests; I see the red thread stretching across the wall. I enjoy the whole process from the weird word manifesting itself in your thoughts all the way to the physical objects I wish the project to become. Whether it takes on the shape of a book, pamphlet, print or an installation.
Download Norwegian CV
Download English CV
Education
2021 Photography, Bilder Nordic, Oslo
2019 - 2020 Photo Assistent, Ole Martin Halvorsen, Oslo
2012 Certificate of apprenticeship, Electrician, Kvadraturen skolesenter, Kristiansand
Prizes
2021 Langt fra - Hjemme, 1st place newcomer, Norwegian photo of the year
Group Exhibitions
2021 Håp, Fotografiens hus, Oslo, NO (Upcoming)
2021 Norwegian photo of the year, Galleri Oslo, Oslo, NO (upcoming)
2019-2020 I samme båt, Bruket, Oslo, NO
Books and publications
2021 Bergtagen, selfpublished
2021 Langt fra - Hjemme, Norwegian photo of the year 2020
2021 Boy with luv, ohyouprettyhingsmagazine
2021 Til verdens ende, Kontakt
Presentations
2021 Artist presentation, Oslo Kamera Klubb
2021 5x Presentation of different projects together with Marte Gundersen, for different county colleges
2021 Artist presentation, Open day, Bilder Nordic