410 Project displays MSU student’s mixed media

Art provokes discussion that offers diverse perspectives of those interacting with a particular piece. However, only the artist can genuinely define the inspiration behind their work. 

For MSU student Kaden Bergsbaken, his time to shine arrived with the opportunity to  show off his paintings at the 410 Project, a Mankato art gallery. His ‘Mixed Medias’ exhibition will be on display until Sept. 14. 

Bergsbaken believes art is an expression of himself, and his paintings are visual pieces of his imagination. 

“Expression is the main thing. Even when I was young, art was just a clear way to express how I felt, like the influences around me. In a way, there was no talking of words; it was just something I visualized,” said Bergsbaken. 

The exhibition features a variety of paintings, from his early years in college to more recent works created in the past semester. One of the inspirations behind the gallery is his progress in artistic abilities throughout the years. 

“I mostly have paintings displayed. There are a lot of beginning pieces that I first started painting in college about a year and a half ago. Then, I have works I have done more recently, like in the past semester,” said Bergsbaken. “I just want to show the progress of my paintings that, in a way, will combine them and make them look interesting and make sense together.” 

Bergsbaken finds the experience of setting up his artwork in the gallery, especially the entrance, rewarding, as this is his first exhibition showcasing only his creations. He is excited for his work to have a place in the open instead of the four walls of his bedroom and studio. 

“I like the experience of setting up the work. It was the first time I could give my work a setting or a place that they could exist in, versus on my wall or in the studio,” said Bergsbaken. “I am proud of the entrance; there is a portrait of me as a kid, and in front of it is a centerpiece of pottery I made.”

Like any true artist, he wants the audience to create their own narrative about his work without knowing its true meaning. There are no title cards with an artist statement; everyone will create experiences unique to their own, just as Bergsbaken wants. 

“I don’t want to push the audience in any narrative direction. None of the work has title cards, and there are no artist statements; it’s all about the work on the wall,” said Bergsbaken. “Anyone that walks through the door can have their own experience and take away what they need to, and there is nothing I have to tell them.” 

Bergsbaken advises MSU students to take the risk of applying to exhibitions, as it can allow them to gain more experience and connect with other artists. 

For more information about Bergsbaken’s exhibition and more, visit the410project.com.

Photo Caption: The exhibition features a variety of paintings, from Bergsbaken’s early years in college to more recent works created in the past semester. (Courtesy/Kaden Bergsbaken)

Write to Tina Dolan at dolatinaj@gmail.com