Dovsten, Evelina

Photo: Louise Bahrton

In despair I see time slip through my fingers, and I find myself in a world where historical facts and knowledge fade away in less than a generation. It is not obvious that technology and civilization must always move forward - knowledge can also be lost and forgotten.

I anchor actions and thoughts in material - all to remember. A continuation and add on to already existing knowledge in a never ending dialogue. With this research I will examine how craft knowledge can give us a new historical perspective, by using my artistic practice in combination with tacit knowledge theory and ethnographical methods. Studying objects from a artist’s perspective have a possibility of giving us a new outlook. The handmade object bears imprints and knowledge from its maker that becomes a communication carrier over time —> over generations. The craft holds keys to our historical heritage that are important for making informed decisions and to take action regarding preserving and keeping on a craft tradition in contemporary society. My research will build up from 5 parallel case studies that together form an overview. The results and findings will be mapped out in dialogue with glass, written text materials and more.

Evelina Dovsten is an artist och glass maker based in Stockholm, educated at Konstfack (MFA 2019). In her art, she constantly returns to themes concerning philosophy of science and practical knowledge. In 2024 she completed the public commission: Minneshärd for Värmdö Kulturhus & bibliotek - which in it’s monumental setting highlights the practical knowledge stored in materials, imprints and above all the people and their work in the old porslin factory in Gustavsberg. Her art has been exhibited, among other places, at Ebelingmuseet, Sigtunastiftelsen, Röhsska Museet, Arkdes, Vår Gård Saltsjöbaden, and is represented in the collections of the National Museum, Sweden. Dovsten is also a co-creator and host of the podcast Konsthantverkspodden, and has written the book: Den Moderna Sfinxen together with Andreas Nobel (2024, Otsium Books).

Main supervisor: Anna Mlasowsky
Admitted to: Konstfack
Project period: 2026-2030