LOVE NORWAY X - HARDING AS

MEDIA

DATE

HARDING AS

The Harding Flag is a development of The Love Norway X project, inspired by the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the Norwegian Constitution and is made primarily out of a specialist boat building material used by Harding in the construction of their world renowned lifeboats. Working with local craftsmen, the artist has found new ways to use this material by combining traditional techniques and new technology. Using the proportions of the Norwegian National Flag, it combines quotations, words, sentences, symbols and patterns, both ancient and modern that reflect mankind's continued hopes and wishes for the best of all possible worlds. The design incorporates archaic pre-calligraphic lettering and motifs. These geometric shapes, comprised of simple angles, are found across many ages and cultures. Included are Norwegian Runes, Kufic text from Arabia, Horyig seal script from Tibet, and I - Ching hexagrams from China. In combination, their lines form a 'tapestry' illustrating a common message that transcends language.

These styles of writing have crossed over at various points in time. Runic graffiti is to be found in the Church of Hagai Sophia in Constantinople, Kufic text is to be found on silver coins in Viking graves and Oriental seals and symbols are distributed all along the trades routes used by Vikings, Arabs and Mongol tribes alike, connecting Northern Europe to the Far East.

The Harding Flag illustrates that in different ways and at different times we have all been searching for the same thing, no matter where or when we have been living. Avoiding a sentimental interpretation of the concept of ' Love ', this work celebrates instead the more collective qualities of mutual understanding, acceptance and co-operation.