Independent Collectors

Expected / Unexpected

Contemporary art “bad boy” Bjarne Melgaard has found his home in Norway’s KaviarFactory.

Located in Henningsvær stands the personal collection of Ms. Venke Hoff and husband Mr. Rolf Hoff. What once was a 1950’s caviar factory, the building is an impressive, solid brick construction that touches the ocean and exposes its facade to the harsh Northern winds and elements, whilst the inside is a much more serene setting that houses a 30 year collection of Norwegian and international contemporary art. The building itself is a collectors item, with artist Michael Sailstorfer giving the signs on the facade to the Hoff’s as a gift and Bjarne Melgaard designing the door handles.

The Hoff’s have dedicated three decades to supporting contemporary art and to also share their passion with the public, offering the chance for local residents to experience some of the best young artists the contemporary art world has to offer.

From now until March 2016 KaviarFactory will be showcasing 50 works by the Norwegian artist, Bjarne Melgaard. Known for causing controversy in many of his previous exhibitions,“Expected / Unexpected” highlights the variety of Melgaard’s work, exhibiting his paintings, water colors, drawings and sculptures that are part of the KaviarFactory collection.

The exhibition celebrates the diversity and interdisciplinary approach of Melgaard against the backdrop of Norway’s picturesque landscape.

Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen
Installation view from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition "Expected / Unexpected" at KaviarFactory, Norway. Courtesy the artist and KaviarFactory, Norway. Photo: John Stenersen

Read our interview with Venke and Rolf Hoff HERE.

The KaviarFactory is included in the Art Guide.