Jorn + Munch = Nordic power

This exhibition let me see Asgeir Jorn compared to Munch, but perhaps more importantly Jorn and Munch in relation to the Nordic expression. The framing, Jorn + Munch is too narrow. It quite naturally open up an even wider perspective with references running everywhere, even to the work of Frances Bacon. Without the making use of the traditional, intellectual instruments Jorns paintings contains both symbolism and the intuitive message. 

 A Jorn: "Double face" 1990. Detail

A Jorn: "The silent myth, Opus 7", 1952 detail

A Jorn: "The situation of a central figure", 1966 - 68, detail

In "The situation of a central figure" I see a Nordic "troll" version of Bacon's "The pope". Stronger, more vulnerable and even more brutal in its appearance. ! 

E Munch "Man in the cabbage field", 1916, detail

I even feel the strong presence of  Nikolai Astrup in many of Jorns pictures. Together with Munchs authoritative strenght this become a show of Nordic power.  

This is a “must see”

http://munchmuseet.no/en/exhibitions/jorn-munch

Observingarts: Mapplethorpe + Munch at The Munch Museum in Oslo

Edvard Munch: Selvportrett, 1895, Munchmuseet, Oslo

Robert Mapplethorpe: Self-Portrait, 1988. 

© Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.

"Juxtaposing Munch and Mapplethorpe reveals several commonalities, such as their widespread use of traditional genres, primarily portraits and nudes. Another is the existential expression that permeates their art in different ways. Other commonalities can be found in their self-understanding as artists and in the way they both caused a scandal with their art. Both were members of a bohemian subculture of artists that defied the establishment of their era".

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VIGELAND + MUNCH BEHIND THE MYTHS - starting 3 october 2015 Oslo

Edvard Munch: Blossom of Pain ("Quickborn"), 1897

Photo @ National Museum of Art, 

Architecture and Design

Gustav Vigeland,

Hell II (1897), bronze. 

Photo @ National Museum of Art, 

Architecture and Design

For the first time a major dual exhibition will be devoted to two giants in the history of Norwegian art, Edvard Munch and Gustav Vigeland. Their work, development and ambitions have many interesting traits in common, which will provide the public with an opportunity to discover new connections between the two. More at: Munch Museum in Oslo