A-ha: Photographs by Stian Anderson at the Strand Gallery

Stian Andersen has worked with 80s Norwegian pop expats A-ha for over ten years, and his exhibition in the Strand Gallery is a collection of his favourite shots of the band.

Despite the photographer’s close work with the group, there is little on display. There are roughly twelve photos, all of which depict A-ha posing and playing live. Disappointingly, there were no portraits that showed the group’s more intimate and personal side, just familiar press release photos.

Andersen himself was present, along with A-ha keyboardist and guitarist Magnue Furuholmen. Neither had much to say and didn’t engage particularly with the crowd. A surprising addition to the exhibition was the presence of a harpsichord player who added a touch of class to the evening. Unfortunately though, the space at The Strand Gallery is minimal, which made it difficult to enjoy the performance in the crowded room.

Overall, it wasn’t very clear what the exhibition was celebrating, and there was an air of forced formality that made the proceedings less enjoyable than they would have been in a more relaxed environment. The portraits had little to offer anyone but the most die-hard A-ha fans. Lacking variety, the night’s meagre offering was underwhelming.

Conor Nyhan

A-ha: Photographs by Stian Andersen is at the Strand Gallery until 17^th March 2013. For further information visit the exhibition’s website here.