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Phase 2: When I Close My Eyes and Ears, I Sense You Clearly

12–16 January 2026 | Overlyssalen, Fredrikstad Bibliotek, Norway



I was grateful to return to Overlyssalen, where I carried out a pre-project in 2023 (read more) that later grew into When I Close My Eyes and Ears, I Sense You Clearly.

During this phase, the artists brought artworks developed after Phase 1 (read more) and set them up in the space. Alongside exploration of the artworks, we discussed dramaturgy and considered what kind of information we need to give the audience, shaping everything further toward the final phase.

On Thursday, we invited a test audience, including a blind mentor, art students, and a visual artist, and gained fresh insights through their feedback. Since this project is a participatory art experience—where participants embark on an inner journey and build “trust” in their own bodies and senses, as well as in other people and their surroundings—the feedback was extremely valuable for developing the project further.

As a group, we will enter the final creation phase on 18 May, with the premiere on 26 May at Overlyssalen. Until then, each artist will continue to develop their artworks in preparation for the final presentation.

This project is my dream, and I deeply appreciate everyone who has worked on it and supported me. I am very much looking forward to people experiencing the project!


Credit
Idea and Concept, Artistic Leader

Ayana Ishihara

Collaborative artists

Aino Hakala, André Wulf, Ayana Ishihara, Inger-Reidun Olsen, Maja Sjöström, Mathias Jin Budtz, Tulle Ruth Koefoed-Jespersen


Blind mentorsIda Solvalg, Malin Bjerke, Svein Erik Hansen

Supported by

Arts Council Norway

Acknowledgement–Test Audience

Ingerid Frang, Kenny Weber, Lina Meseke, Radoslav Paulech, Stensland Vinje, Svein Erik Hansen

Acknowledgement–Venue Support

Kristin Johansen





Photo: Ayana Ishihara
Photo: Ayana Ishihara

For now, I’m sharing photos of Overlyssalen, and I can’t wait to show our work!

©Ayana Ishiahra 2026