Anthology: Anatomical Theatre is a compilation of essays, papers, poems, photography and illustrations, which were part of a series of lectures, performances and readings related to the installation of, and program of events for Anatomical Theatre by Norwegian artist Petrine Vinje. For the Norwegian Sculpture Biennale in 2013, Vinje constructed a full scale model of the anatomical theatre built for Gustavianum, Uppsala University, in 1662. The installation was built and shown in the Gustav Vigeland Park, close to the Monolith. The Anatomical Theatre and subsequent programming were centered around the relationship of the mind and body as well as the history of this specific architectural form, which was a public amphitheater where the dissection of cadavers took place. Anatomical Theatre also included a film screening and performance program of physical and mental training. The events took place inside the theatre, and the sculptural structure thus became a container for a discussion surrounding the body as a container as well. Vinje has explores the aesthetics of power, especially as it relates to gender roles. She is interested in the gaps between language, symbols and motifs. Her practice often begins with historical research which then becomes the point of departure for collaborative and curatorial projects. Petrine Vinje was recently awarded a three-year Artistic Research Fellowship at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
Anthology—Anatomical Theatre is published by Uten Tittel (Not Yet Titled Press) in 2018. Uten Tittel began in 2016 and is now one of the leading publishers for visual art and culture in Norway. This artist book contains text in both English and Norwegian.