Opened Munch-Picasso exhibition in Spain

– Picasso and Munch belonged to different artistic traditions and developed very different visual languages. Yet they shared something fundamental: the courage to challenge convention and an extraordinary desire to explore and renew art, Queen Sonja said in her opening speech.

She also spoke of her personal connection to the art of the world-renowned artists, Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso.

– In Norway, we learn about Munch from an early age, and his art has been a constant companion throughout my life — both personally and in my official capacity. So, while Munch has been a lifelong presence, Picasso has occasionally found his way into my home — and, perhaps, even into my own work.

About the exhibition

The exhibition brings two of Europe’s most significant artists into dialogue with one another. The curators have sought to explore the artistic connections between them, including how they depicted women and the human body, as well as the artistic influence they exerted on one another.

The exhibition presents more than 100 works and includes loans from museums and collections in Norway, France and Spain, among others.

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) first became acquainted with the art of Edvard Munch (1863–1944) as early as the late 1890s, through the Catalan artistic community centred around the Els Quatre Gats café in Barcelona. Later, in Paris, Picasso came into direct contact with works by the Norwegian artist, which were exhibited on several occasions at the Société des Artistes Indépendants. The two artists’ participation in the renowned Sonderbund exhibition in Cologne in 1912 represents their most significant historical point of encounter.

Condolences

The opening ceremony was somewhat subdued, and the gala dinner scheduled to take place afterwards was cancelled following yesterday’s train accident in Spain, in which more than 60 people lost their lives. Queen Sonja began her speech at the opening of the exhibition by expressing her condolences.

– My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones, with their families and friends, and with everyone affected by this tragic event. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to all who are grieving at this difficult time, she said.

Yesterday, His Majesty King Haakon conveyed his condolences to His Majesty King Felipe of Spain.

– On behalf of myself and the Norwegian people, I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and the people of Spain and ask you to convey my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and others affected by this tragic event.