TONJE PLUR

Human/Nature

12 March - 3 May 2026

Tonje Plur works with fashion as a phenomenon and explore clothing - in an expanded sense. She examines how clothing can function as communication, and how textiles communicate something about the present time, people, identity, and belonging. They operate as a social and symbolic system while also protecting the body from the elements. In addition, Plur is interested in how we might read signs of the future, climate policy, resource use, and economics — by looking closely at tendencies within today’s textile industry, as well as by studying fashion theory and costume history.

In her practice, Plur explores the relationship between humans and their surroundings, textiles and environment. She looks at how we are shaped and coloured by the places we live and by our present time — and how we dress accordingly. At the same time, she reflects on how places themselves change over time — through the shifting light of the day, the seasons, and not least through human impact. Humans alter, demolish, build, produce, and leave deep traces in the terrain. Plur works with textiles as the body’s closest surroundings, followed by society and the landscape. Through references to clothing, the human presence is woven into the textiles. They are draped as sculptural environments, with volumes that can hold a body — as if the landscape itself unfolds in large, enveloping folds, allowing the human figure to merge with its surroundings.

Based on techniques from her background in tailoring, she creates layered compositions through hand and machine knitting, sewing, felting, and appliqué. She further develops and stretches these techniques, transforming them into bodily expressions. The materials consist primarily of leftover fabrics, used garments, and elements from previous projects, though they may also include new textiles. At first sight, glitter and soft fabrics may appear decorative. Yet within the tangle of fiber blends lie numerous textile-related issues that can be traced back to the origin of the material.

Tonje Plur (b. 1985, Oslo) lives and works in Oslo. She holds a craftsman certificate in dress and costume tailoring and a Master’s degree in Fashion and Clothing Design from Oslo National Academy of the Arts. Plur has had solo exhibitions at institutions including Galleri Nord-Norge in Harstad, Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš in Karasjok, Søgne gamle prestegård, Gyldenpris Kunsthall in Bergen, and Galleri Salhus at the Textile Industry Museum in Bergen. Her works have been acquired by the National Museum of Norway and the Equinor Art Programme.