It Could Happen to You is a work by AK Dolven (b. Oslo, 1953) a Norwegian contemporary artist renowned for her interdisciplinary approach, spanning video, sound, sculpture, and installation. Her work often explores themes of nature, memory, time, and personal identity. Dolven is known for creating immersive, emotionally resonant experiences that provoke deep reflection on human existence and our connection to the world.
Her art is characterized by a deep sense of lyricism and quietude, inviting audiences to contemplate subtle yet profound moments. Dolven’s visual style is restrained, often incorporating elements of nature, light, and sound to build mood and atmosphere. This immersive quality encourages viewers to engage both intellectually and emotionally, fostering a more intimate connection with her themes.
It Could Happen to You is a poignant, immersive single-channel projection work that examines the tension between personal experience and universal themes of vulnerability, fate, and life’s unpredictability. The piece uses minimalistic and conceptual techniques to evoke powerful emotions. The title suggests openness—anyone could be affected by the situations portrayed—highlighting life’s fragility and uncertainty. Dolven’s works often inspire contemplation and introspection; here, viewers consider the possibility of change, unforeseen events, and how these shape our lives. The piece combines visual elements such as video, photography, and sound—a hallmark of Dolven’s broader practice—using simplicity and directness to express complex emotions.
A key feature of Dolven’s work is her ability to evoke universal human experiences, particularly isolation, the passage of time, and the intersections of memory and landscape. Through visual and aural elements, she leads viewers into a meditative state, transforming everyday moments into metaphors for larger existential themes. Her work reflects a global and intellectual perspective, influenced by her travels and deep engagement with nature. Over time, she developed a distinctive style blending video projections, audio compositions, and large-scale installations that invite sensory exploration of complex emotions and social issues.
It has been exhibited internationally in prestigious venues such as Tate Modern in London, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Biennale di Venezia. She has received numerous accolades and support from arts organizations and remains a prominent figure in contemporary art. Beyond galleries, Dolven has contributed to public art projects and large-scale installations, solidifying her reputation as one of Norway’s most significant contemporary artists.
It Could Happen to You is a Film and Video Umbrella Touring Exhibition commissioned in association with Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Supported by the National Touring Programme of the Arts Council of England.
