Munch-Picasso: Opening of exhibition in Málaga

Distinguished guests,

Allow me first of all, to say that I was deeply saddened to hear about the terrible train accident near Toledo yesterday.

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.

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Distinguished guests,
Dear friends of the arts!

As a teenager, I was fascinated by Picasso’s way of portraying faces and people.

At home, when I was drawing, I imitated his way of seeing and depicting the human figure, with twisted angles, unusual positions, fragmented facial features, and bold colors – I must have seen one of his portraits of Dora Maar.

Picasso’s ceramics from Vallauris also intrigued me, and this eventually led to a happy purchase: a jug – in the shape of an owl. Unfortunately, I later sold the little bird at an auction, something I now rather regret — although the income went to a good cause.

Today, I work with ceramics myself and often use what I call Picasso plates — the large, oval ones — which I decorate in my own style.

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.

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!

From Picasso to Munch, from Norway to Spain – art reminds us that the most profound conversations are not limited by borders or generations.

They continue across time and cultures, driven by our shared desire to understand more deeply, imagine more freely and see more clearly.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone whose efforts have made this exhibition possible. A special word of thanks goes to Paloma Alarcó – this exhibition’s insightful curator. And I am very grateful I had time to walk around with her this afternoon. Thank you so much.

It is my sincere hope that this exhibition will inspire and move all visitors!

As you can understand, it is a great pleasure for me to be here in Picasso’s native city.

And with these words, I am delighted to declare the exhibition Munch-Picasso at Museo Picasso Málaga open!