Less provocative than expected

The aim of the street art project was to challenge stereotypes and attitudes at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). After today's debate between artists and academics, no one seems to have felt overly provoked, however.

08.09.2011 - Espen Bolghaug

The second day of Anniversary Week at NHH was devoted to the street art that now adorns the school's walls. The seminar consisted of a lecture on what street art really is, and the philosophy behind this art form. It was concluded with a debate between two groups: street artists and academics.

Intended to provoke

The intention of the debate entitled 'Economics vs. Street art' was to explore the extent to which the artists' understanding of the term capitalism is in line with academics' use of the word. Most of the time was actually spent discussing the art itself, however.

'Art should be provocative and thereby bring about change,' says Evan Roth, an American street artist, who gave a talk on how street artists think before the debate started in earnest.

'Many, but not all street artists are activists, and they use street art as a way of reaching out to an audience,' he continues.

Despite this, the academics did not seem to be provoked by the art on the walls.

Would it have been different if the street artists had not been invited to the school, but had come here themselves and painted on the walls? 'I didn't find it particularly provocative,' said Professor Bertil Tungodden of NHH during the panel debate that concluded the art day.

Along with Professor Guttorm Schelderup and Johan Aasen from Skagen Funds, he represented the academics during the debate. Street artist Evan Roth, author Tristan Manco and Professor Jon Henrik Hellstenius from the Norwegian Academy of Music represented the artists. The debate was chaired by Tom Remlow, General Director of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet.

Mainstream

All of the academics had expected the art to be more provocative than it actually turned out to be.

'We have to ask ourselves whether the street art we see on the walls here is maybe a bit "mainstream". This could be because the artists are painting with the school's permission, or because we simply don't understand the art,' believes Professor Guttorm Scheldrup.

It should be mentioned that none of the artists who contributed to the artwork on the walls were present to defend themselves. But Evan Roth was:

'Maybe you have to live with the art for a while before it really makes an impression,' the street artist argues.

'Everyone expects street artists to shock and provoke all the time,' believes author Tristan Manco and suggests that this expectation is almost a creative straight-jacket for the artists.

'The works of art are simply too comfy, they don't make me really think about the message,' sums up Professor Tungodden after the end of the seminar.

Tolerant

The main hall was far from full, and most of the students had prioritised lectures or other activities rather than take part in the art day. But those who did attend did not go unnoticed.

'There are not many students here today, but those who are here are asking really good questions,' says Ole Hope, Managing Director of NHH. He is one of the prime movers behind the project and is happy with the result.

'It is perhaps less controversial than expected, but that needn't be a bad thing. It just goes to show how tolerant we are here at NHH. I am pleased that we have tried something different from the kind of thing business schools usually do,' concludes Mr Hope.

The event was also streamed on the project's website, and it had around 30-35 viewers.