Konrad Mehus: Norway’s storyteller
Since the end of the 1960s, Konrad Mehus (b. 1941) has been a central figure in Norwegian crafts. Dinnertime (1974), combining a crystal glass and a fork, is considered an icon for its time. It illustrates a distinct development within post-World War II artistic crafts in which art prevails over practical use and function. Mehus’s silver jewellery often clearly breaks from the conventional values that predominate in the goldsmithing industry. As an artistic piece, jewellery can also be a medium of communication. Mehus tells his stories with social context and sharp political wit. The details unfold through the intimate form of a brooch. One such detail is the moose crossing, a familiar traffic sign for most motorists in Norway. It shows up in many of Mehus’ pieces as a central symbol of our times. The series Tkt. no: Two rooms plus kitchen 1956 with a miniature portrayal of contemporary 1950s interiors symbolises the reconstruction after the World War II.
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