Finding the Artist Wiithin

Oslo, Norway. Cutting Edge Art

Artwork in the Oslo Harbour

To shake the sea water out of our ears, we managed to visit a few art museums as well.  Oslo has as many art galleries as maritime options and by chance, we had stumbled upon the Munch Museum during our earlier “assimilation” hike.  

This summer’s exhibition was SUPER special - a parallel in the careers of Van Gogh and Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch, with a grand supporting cast of many of their ilk. (No photos allowed, so this one of his work is from the National Gallery...)  

Cottages at the Norsk Folk Museum

The vast Norsk Folk Museum, a recreated living history museum, deserved more time and attention than we were able to give to it.  Over 160 historic traditional buildings (some dating from 1500) have been relocated to the site and furnished appropriate to period.  Docents dress in traditional costume and offer opportunities to experience folk dancing and music, meet artisans (weavers, potters or silversmiths) or simply watch the routine of life in the Old Town.  Today was the day for peeling spuds! 

Then it was on to the Museum of Contemporary Art

From traditional to challenging, the Museum of Contemporary Art was next on the list.  The major exhibition was a collection of works showcasing the Arte Povera movement (1968-2015). 

“Poor Art” artists express their concerns over consumerism and commercialisation of the art world.  These pieces are not meant to match your lounge room curtains or inspire jealousy in your neighbours. 

So if you were wondering if your washing went missing, perhaps you've lost a few door draft stoppers or need a carriage for an assertive teenager, this may be the show for you.  (Actually, I quite liked the carriage even though it's a bit creepy...)  

Finally, just enough time for a really quick spin through the National Gallery 

Then it was off to the National Gallery; it closed at 5pm.  Could we do it?  Housing the largest collection of art in Norway, this has to be one organised venue and the permanent collection “Livets dans” (The Dance of Life) beautifully meets that challenge.  Rooms of exhibits are assembled in order, flowing gently through Antiquity to Baroque; Romanticism; Impressionism to Munch; and Modernism to the1950’s. 

The emphasis of course, is on Norwegian artists.  Rooms are numbered, explanations succinct and if on limited time (like me), then it is entirely possible to scoot around and pick up the historical essence.  The “wow factor” and quality of exhibits however is high, so it was rather difficult not to get snagged whilst doing the rounds. 

And then on the way home, admire more interesting modern artworks along the docks.

Later that evening, we met up with our enthusiastic Intrepid Tour Leader, Sanni and the rest of the tour group at the designated hotel.  We had learned by now a couple of tricks that make touring life easier.  

#1.  Get to your destination a few days before the tour to familiarise yourself with the area and get over any jet-lag.  We needed to recover from all those boat cleaning tasks.

#2.  Stay in the hotel where the group is due to meet up.