As the sun sets, I arrive at Ekeberg Park in Oslo, where the late winter sky softens into shades of blue, grey, and yellow. From a viewpoint, I reflect on Edvard Munch’s visit in 1892, where he famously noted hearing a “great and infinite scream through nature.” While his scream remains a mystery, the park is now filled with the laughter of children and the activity of joggers.

In Oslo, Munch’s presence is inescapable, especially with the National Portrait Gallery showcasing a new exhibition of his portraits. Staying at Clarion Hotel Oslo, I find Warhol’s version of The Scream in the lobby and Abramović’s photograph during breakfast. The nearby Munch Museum stands out, its tilted tower said to bow to the city that inspired much of Munch’s work.

My guide, Sid, shares insights on Munch’s legacy, explaining, “Munch was unique in how he captured a shift in generations and perception.” His art’s relevance today lies not only in its emotional depth but also in the profound connection between humanity and nature.

Within the Munch Museum, three versions of The Scream are displayed for 30 minutes each to preserve their colours, including one damaged in a notorious theft in 2004. Another version from the National Museum was stolen in 1994 during the Winter Olympics but was recovered after 12 weeks.

The gallery also features sketches of Munch’s Aula paintings for Oslo University, which depict various human experiences. These masterpieces were hidden during the Nazi invasion due to their classification as “degenerate art,” but were restored post-war. Visitors can view these works on selected Saturdays from February to May.

A trip to Ramme, where Munch painted, offers a tranquil experience away from the city. His house, rented out in summer, offers scenic views and inspiration from nature. The sound of the sea and apple trees create a calming environment that Munch cherished.

Back in Oslo’s Grünerløkka quarter, I explore the vibrant neighbourhood where Munch lived, spotting plaques that remind us of his legacy. I visit the spot that inspired The Sick Child, reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere that contrasts with the deeper themes of his work. I also enjoy the lively culture in cafés and shops, wondering if I might encounter a modern-day Madonna.

Before my departure, I pay my respects at Munch’s grave in Our Saviour’s cemetery, contemplating the artwork he could have produced today. As walking tour guide Linda noted, he would likely be “a selfie king” given his passion for self-portraits.

Oslo offers a rich exploration of Edvard Munch’s life and art, with significant landmarks like Ekeberg Park, Munch Museum, and his former residence at Ramme. The blend of historical context and contemporary vibrancy allows visitors to connect with Munch’s timeless themes of nature, emotion, and human experience. His legacy continues to resonate remarkably well in today’s world, making a trip to Oslo a compelling experience for art lovers.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

The post Exploring Edvard Munch’s Legacy: A City Break in Oslo first appeared on The London Bell.

A new London exhibition titled “Edvard Munch Portraits” at the National Portrait Gallery will showcase the Norwegian Expressionist artist’s lesser-known work—his portraits. Unlike his famous, solitary pieces like “The Scream,” this exhibition highlights Munch’s connections with family and friends throughout his life.

Curator Alison Smith notes that this is the first UK exhibition focused solely on Munch’s portraiture, depicting both personal relationships and his experiences in artistic circles in Kristiania, Paris, and Berlin. Many portraits reflect a poignant personal history, as Munch lost close family members to tuberculosis during a period marked by artistic evolution.

Munch’s capacity to capture hidden personalities is a central theme. His 1885 portrait of Karl Jensen-Hjell sparked controversy with its critical portrayal, and Walther Rathenau, a prominent industrialist, remarked on how Munch’s work revealed deeper truths: “That’s what you get for having your portrait done by a great artist—you look more like yourself than you really are.”

By the early 20th century, Munch had gained popularity and fame, simultaneously creating multiple versions of his works, which he considered akin to his own children due to his emotional attachment. The exhibition will also include self-portraits and highlight relationships with people who supported and inspired Munch.

According to Smith, the exhibition aims to reframe Munch not as a solitary figure but as someone deeply integrated into a vibrant European community, celebrating both the artist and those who influenced him.

The upcoming exhibition “Edvard Munch Portraits” at the National Portrait Gallery will illuminate the artist’s connections with family, friends, and patrons, positioning him within a rich European network. It aims to showcase his exploration of individual identity and emotional depth through portraiture, offering a fresh perspective on his work beyond his iconic pieces.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Edvard Munch’s Portraits: A New Exhibition in London first appeared on The London Bell.

The National Portrait Gallery in London presents “Edvard Munch Portraits,” the first UK exhibition dedicated to the Norwegian Expressionist’s portraiture. Curated by Alison Smith, the exhibition highlights Munch’s personal connections through a range of portraits depicting his family, friends, and patrons, contrasting with his well-known darker works like “The Scream”. The show delves into Munch’s life in Bohemian circles across cities like Oslo, Paris, and Berlin, emphasizing his artistic development during challenging times.

Munch’s family portraits reflect a difficult past, having lost both his mother and sister to tuberculosis. These artworks illustrate significant artistic growth, featuring naturalistic depictions like his aunt Karen in somber attire and his sister Laura gazing contemplatively in “Evening.” Smith notes how influences from French and Japanese art begin to emerge in Munch’s style, foreshadowing later themes in his work such as melancholy.

A central theme of the exhibition is Munch’s ability to glimpse the underlying truths of his subjects, reflected in his often frank portrayals. His controversial portrait of Karl Jensen-Hjell exemplifies this, provoking outrage during its debut. Similarly, industrialist Walther Rathenau remarked on his portrait, acknowledging how Munch captures more than mere appearances, stating, “That’s what you get for having your portrait done by a great artist—you look more like yourself than you really are.”

By the early 20th century, Munch had gained considerable recognition as a prominent artist and savvy businessman. His connection to his artwork was profound, often producing multiple versions to explore different facets of his creations. Munch used self-portraits to delve into his identity and included hidden narratives, such as in the portrait of lawyer Thor Lütken, emphasising the depth of his subject matter.

The exhibition also highlights Munch’s relationships with influential individuals who supported him both financially and personally. Through his portraits, Munch is positioned not as an isolated figure but as a connected and cosmopolitan artist within a broad European network. This exhibition runs from 13 March to 15 June at the National Portrait Gallery.

The exhibition “Edvard Munch Portraits” at the National Portrait Gallery offers a fresh perspective on the artist’s life through his portraiture, revealing the significant relationships that shaped his work. It showcases his family and friends, examines the complexities of his character, and redefines Munch as a connected figure in European artistic circles. This portrayal challenges the notion of Munch as the lonely artist, instead highlighting his vibrant social milieu.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

The post Discovering the Connections in Edvard Munch’s Portraits first appeared on The London Bell.

London’s National Portrait Gallery will unveil a new exhibition, “Edvard Munch Portraits,” highlighting the less-explored facet of the Norwegian Expressionist’s work—his portraiture. Featuring Munch’s connections with family, friends, and patrons, this marks the first UK showcase dedicated to his portraits, presenting art created in intimate moments with his subjects. Curator Alison Smith notes that Munch’s portraits reflect both his personal losses and artistic evolvement, including works depicting influential family members and friends from his bohemian life in Oslo, Paris, and Berlin.

Among the highlights are “Evening” (1888), showcasing one of Munch’s sisters, and the moody portrait of his aunt Karen. Smith elaborates on Munch’s engagement with various influences, particularly hinting at Japanese art, which shaped his style. The exhibition also addresses Munch’s perception of people, illustrated through portraits like the 1885 portrayal of artist Karl Jensen-Hjell, which incited controversy for its candid representation.

Additionally, Munch’s ability to delve deeper, seeing “behind everyone’s mask,” is evident, notably in his 1907 portrait of industrialist Walther Rathenau. Rathenau’s quip about his portrait expressing a more genuine self underscores Munch’s skill in portraying psychological depth. Munch had evolved into a popular artist by the early 20th century, yet faced emotional difficulties in parting with his paintings, treating them as his children.

The exhibition also features Munch’s self-portraits, revealing his introspective nature, along with a notable work of lawyer Thor Lütken adorned with symbolic imagery on his sleeve. The subjects of Munch’s portraits were instrumental in his career, providing inspiration and support while contributing to a network of friendships that Munch fostered throughout his life. The exhibition overall portrays him as part of a rich European artistic community, contrasting with the loneliness often associated with his most famous works.

The “Edvard Munch Portraits” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery offers a fresh perspective on Munch, showcasing his intimate connections with family and friends. Through this lens, it highlights both his artistic evolution and the supportive network that surrounded him, challenging the notion of his solitude and celebrating the relationships that shaped his work.

Original Source: theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Edvard Munch’s Portraits at the National Gallery first appeared on The London Bell.

Lucy Dacus has announced a full European tour for summer 2023, following the success of her earlier intimate shows. The tour will feature a major performance at London’s Brixton Academy on June 26, alongside stops in cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Dublin. This tour coincides with her upcoming album, “Forever Is A Feeling,” set for release on March 28.

The new single “Best Guess,” released today, is the third track from the upcoming album. Dacus last performed in London with the supergroup Boygenius in 2023, and her previous solo UK shows were in 2022.

Tickets for the European tour will go on sale on February 21 at 10am. Fans can access a pre-sale by pre-ordering the album from her website, with pre-sale starting on February 18 at 10am and running until February 29 at 11:59pm.

Lucy Dacus New Europe Dates:
– June 12 – Oslo, Rockefeller
– June 16 – Amsterdam, Paradiso
– June 19 – Berlin, Astra
– June 24 – Brussels, Ancienne Belgique
– June 25 – Paris, Trianon
– June 26 – London, Brixton Academy
– June 30 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
– July 2 – Manchester, Academy
– July 3 – Dublin, Iveagh Gardens
– July 5 – Roskilde, Roskilde Festival

General tickets for the UK shows go on sale February 21 at 10am. Further details on ticketing can be found online.

Lucy Dacus will embark on a much-anticipated European tour in summer 2023, with a significant London performance. Fans can look forward to her new album, “Forever Is A Feeling,” and take advantage of pre-sale tickets available by pre-ordering the album. This tour promises to be an exciting opportunity for fans across various cities in Europe.

Original Source: secretldn.com

The post Lucy Dacus Unveils Full European Tour for Summer 2023 first appeared on The London Bell.

The National Portrait Gallery in London will present “Edvard Munch Portraits” from March 13 to June 15, 2025. Curated by Alison Smith, this will be the first UK exhibition showcasing Munch’s work as a portraitist. The exhibition will feature over forty pieces, offering insights into Munch’s relationships and his dual role as an artist and social figure across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It will encompass familial portraits, bohemian influences, and commissioned works, structured thematically and chronologically across four sections.

Edvard Munch, known primarily for his expressionist paintings like “The Scream”, also created numerous portraits that reflect his personal connections and the artistic circles he navigated. This exhibition aims to broaden the understanding of Munch beyond his typical portrayal as a tormented genius, highlighting the significance of his friendships and social networks in shaping his art. It combines heritage from various periods of Munch’s life and emphasises his growth as an artist within bohemian Europe.

The upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery is poised to provide a fresh perspective on Edvard Munch’s portraiture, showcasing his connections and the emotional depth of his subjects. By examining his works within the contexts of personal relationships and social interactions, it will enhance appreciation for his contributions as a portrait artist and change the narrative surrounding him.

Original Source: www.finestresullarte.info

The post First UK Exhibition of Edvard Munch Portraits to Open in London first appeared on The London Bell.