Queen Sonja opens Munch/Warhol exhibition

Norway's Queen Sonja this week opened the exhibition entitled “Munch|Warhol and the Multiple Image” in New York City. The exhibition brings together the works of two of the greatest printmakers of the 20th century.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) presents MUNCH | WARHOL and the Multiple Image, an exhibition featuring two of the 20th century’s most prolific and inventive printmakers. Curated by Dr. Patricia Berman and Pari Stave, the exhibition will be on view April 27 through July 27, 2013 at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America.

Organized in honor of the 150th anniversary of Munch’s birth in 1863, the exhibition closely examines four graphic motifs produced by Munch at the turn of the century — The Scream, Madonna, The Brooch. Eva Mudocci, and Self-Portrait with Skeleton Arm — and later revisited by Andy Warhol in a little-known, but extraordinary, series of prints from 1984. Comprising over 30 original works from private and museum collections — some of which will be seen for the first time — the exhibition reveals remarkable affinities between the two artists.

In her opening remarks, Queen Sonja emphasised the differences as well as similarities between the two artists, noting that Warhol’s works are uniquely his own – even though he copies Munch:

“As we celebrate Munch this year, this encounter with Warhol’s series of screen prints is a remarkable experience. Warhol’s prints from 1984, produced 13 years after his visit to Oslo, truly resonate with the works of Munch. He copies Munch, but the result is unique. He captures Munch’s intensity, and then interprets the works in his own way."

On Wednesday morning, the Queen received the NACC Nora Award for Women of Achievement. Presented by the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, the award was established to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Norway. The award is being presented for the first time this year, and Queen Sonja is thus the first recipient. According to the statutes, the award is to be presented to a woman who has achieved extraordinary success in her chosen endeavours.

(NRK/Press releases) Photo - NRK