Ananda Serné

Hymnosphere 

The textile and sound installation ‘Hymnosphere’ was developed by Ananda Serné following a residency in Ny-Ålesund, a scientific settlement on Svalbard. The work consists of three woven tapestries, based on laser images of the surrounding landscape. For this project, Serné collaborated with snow and avalanche researcher Alexander Prokop, who studies the effects of climate change in the region. 

During her stay in Svalbard, Serné witnessed an avalanche caused by rain, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common due to global warming. The sight reminded her of nocturnal landscapes or extraterrestrial worlds, which she translated into digital patterns for the loom. Up close, the textiles appear soft and fluffy, with glimmering lines and dots; from a distance, the shapes become clearly visible. 

Serné combined the textiles with sound: from speakers along the walls, voices can be heard humming, singing, and breathing, occasionally interrupted by deep breaths that evoke animals or deep sleep. The word hymnos refers to a song or choir text and simultaneously creates a semantic link with weaving, through which Serné explores the harmonious relationship between image, sound, and material. 

The work was exhibited from 29 March to 27 April 2025 at Galleri Christinegaard in Bergen, Norway. 

Photography by Hugo Lütcherath