KORO and NCS invite you to the Pavilion talk Being in Water, by Anna Ulrikke Andersen, dep. of Art and Media Studies, NTNU and guests. The Pavilion talks are part of KORO's art program, a collaboration between KORO and NCS. This conversation brings together professionals from different disciplines and associations to share knowledge and perspectives with art as the starting point.

The event is linked to the research project An Architecture of Chronic Illness: A Critical Exploration of Norwegian Bodies and Buildings Post-war to Post-pandemic, supported by the Research Council of Norway (2025-2027). The project is led by Anna Ulrikke Andersen. Trond Lossius is a contributor and partner.

Why is it important for us to be in water? For people with a chronic rheumatic diagnosis, treatment in water has been central in many cultures. In the water, one can move more easily, and thus build strength, or relax tight muscles. Yet Norwegian municipalities regularly close facilities, and do not provide maintenance of pools. How do patients experience the space where treatment takes place? And what does the loss of these spaces mean for the options of treatment available for people with rheumatism?

Being in water begins with presentations by Elisabeth T. Swärd, special advisor on women's health at the Norwegian Women's Sanitary Association, Joachim Sagen, head of Research at the Norwegian Rheumatology Association, and Jon Hagfors, head of the Bekhterev Association in Oslo and surrounding areas. This is followed by a performative presentation of text and films by Anna Ulrikke Andersen, architectural historian at NTNU, who, based on her own experience of rehabilitation from rheumatism, looks at how the chronically ill body navigates a challenging landscape, both physically, mentally and structurally. The event will conclude with an artist talk between Andersen and Trond Lossius, PhD supervisor, The Norwegian Film School, Inland University College.

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