‘The Water Monopoly’ – Inverted miracles
In 2012, artist Tjook unveiled his provocative artwork “Water Monopoly” during the water-themed exhibition at Fet Church. This piece explored the intricate relationship between humans and natural resources through compelling symbolism, including white wine bottles and Norwegian gooseberry branches. Referencing the biblical miracle where Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, Tjook’s work offers a modern critique by inverting this miracle—transforming wine back into water. This artistic reversal highlights Tjook’s commentary on Norway’s state-controlled alcohol distribution system, Vinmonopolet, and emphasizes his belief that while the state should not monopolize wine, it should indeed control clean water.
Fast forward to 2024, and “Water Monopoly” makes a significant return, this time at the esteemed Gamle Munch Museum. The reimagined installation features 16 white wine bottles arranged in a glass case measuring 37 x 37 x 37 cm. Each bottle contains a Norwegian gooseberry branch and a mix of water and wine from the original 2012 exhibition, bottled by the artist himself. These bottles are labeled with Tjook’s custom-designed Vannmonopol logo, a direct nod to the branding of Norway’s Vinmonopolet.
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