A burka with a traditional Setsesdal Norwegian knitting pattern is one of the work of arts in this year's Sørland exhibition.
Line Beate T. Mastad, the artist, says that she is happy her work is highlighted. She had done everything on the burka, from the first stitch to the finished designed burka. For anybody interested in buying it, it costs 12,000 kroner.
Mastad had lived in Kristiansand for 11 years, and thinks a Setedal lusekofte (traditional Norwegian sweater) is the ultimate garment. It's almost a national symbol.
The Setesdal burka has many patters and symbols, with elements from both Christian and Muslim pattern traditions. Mastad explains that the symbols in these religions have many similarities, but also differences.
She stresses that she doesn't want to provoke Muslims, but on the contrary, to bring the religions closer in a positive way.
She says she had thought of the idea two years ago, but has worked on several projects. It doesn't have to be something special that causes her to start with a new project.
Currently the special burka is the only one of its type, and Mastad doesn't plan to produce more in the future. She will take part in an exhibition at the Church City Mission and has gotten a culture grant from the municipality for a project with handicapped. She will be using fabrics here as well as her method of expression.
The Sørland exhibition is in Kristiansand until Sunday, April 27, and could be seen after than in the Flekkefjord art museum and in Skien.
Source: Fædrelandsvennen (Norwegian)
See also: Norway: The Norwegian Burka
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