The exhibition

The exhibition Mountains Don’t Know Their Names will show new photographic works from Catherine Opie, documented during a three-week immersion in the Norwegian winter landscape in 2024.

The exhibition is the culmination of Catherine Opie’s tireless attempt to chase the special Norwegian blue light. Following in the footsteps of artists and geographers before her, Opie will present her collected series compassing portraits of Norwegian mountain ranges, fjords, and local vernacular along with new ceramic mountain sculptures.

Together, these works will give us an insight into traditions of landscape photography, the history of blue in art, and the perception of an international artist in documenting Norwegian landscape and topographies.

Mountains Don’t Know Their Names marks Opie’s first solo exhibition in Mid-Norway, as well as the first comprehensive presentation of her Norway-series. The exhibition coincides with Opie’s institutional solo exhibitions at the Fridericianum museum in Kassel and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

THE ARTIST

Catherine Opie (b. 1961, Sandusky, Ohio) is widely regarded as one of the leading photographers of her generation, often documenting the dynamics of American culture and identity.

She has had several institutional solo exhibitions, including at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (2024), Henie Onstad Art Centre, Oslo (2017), the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (2016), the Guggenheim Museum, New York (2008), and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago (2006). Her works have also been shown in numerous international group exhibitions, including at The Museum of Modern Art, New York (2022), Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebaek (2021), and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2016). Opie has also collaborated on iconic campaigns with celebrated fashion brands such as Gucci (2025) and Prada (2022), creating portrait series in her distinct style.