Exhibition opening

Deviant Ornaments

Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian "Dance after the Revolution, from Tehran to L.A., and Back", 2020. © Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian
Photo: Gallery Krinzinger

Welcome to the opening of the exhibition "Deviant Ornaments"!

Bringing together artworks and artists from different time periods and regions across the Islamic world, “Deviant Ornaments” visualises how gender, sexuality, and desire have been visualised throughout Islamic art history. Through the themes of Ornamentation, Abundance, and History of Sexuality, the exhibition includes works ranging from the 11th century Fatimid Egyptian Empire to present-day Norway in order to promote a more global understanding of queerness.

Program

18.00
Doors open

18.15
Welcome by Director Ingrid Røynesdal
Introduction to the exhibition by curator Noor Bhangu
Official opening by Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery  

18.30
The exhibition opens to the public on the 1st floor
Music by Refel Abeid

21.00
The museum closes

The event is free. No ticket is needed, but you are advised to arrive early to secure a spot. Entrance is on a first come, first served basis.

Refel Abeid is an Oslo-based DJ with roots from Iraq. Since 2019, she has been playing on the most prominent dance floors and the largest queer festivals in Norway, where she has had a burning passion for playing experimental electronic sounds and musical styles directly taken from the east of the Mediterranean, or from the diaspora originating from the territory. Her goal is to create a liberatory dance space for queer and multicultural people in Oslo through unique musical experiences. As she interpolates references from the Middle East or Western club music from her own upbringing in Norway, you can expect a delicious mix of fast percussion, soaring synths and deep basslines throughout the evening.

Exhibition

Deviant Ornaments

28 November 2025–15 March 2026

The National Museum

Experience older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture and design all under one roof and in completely new ways.

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Exhibitions and events at the National Museum

Deviant Ornaments

Program

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