The opening of the exhibition “MUNCH: Inner Fire"

President Mattarella,
Minister,
Excellencies,
Friends of the Arts,

First of all, Mr President – I am very happy and touched by your presence here tonight.

Over the last nine years we have met on the occasion of two state visits – first here in Rome in 2016, and then in Oslo in 2023. And now, I am happy to see you for the third time – here at the stunning Palazzo Bonaparte.

In 1927, almost a hundred years ago, Edvard Munch came to Rome – directly from a grand exhibition of his works in Berlin. Just settled here in this beautiful city, he wrote to the museum director: “As I am currently working in large formats, it is of utmost importance for me to study the frescos by Michelangelo and Rafael.”

This is just one of multiple examples of how prominent Norwegian artists – Edvard Munch being one of them – have travelled to Italy and to Rome for inspiration, new knowledge and insight.

This evening is an evening of celebration - both of a great Norwegian artist - and of the strong cultural bonds between our two countries. This exhibition is a testament to the rich cultural exchange and collaboration between Italy and Norway. During President Mattarella and Laura Mattarella’s State Visit to Norway, I had the pleasure of showing Ms Mattarella the permanent home of Munch’s art in the new MUNCH Museum in Oslo. It is therefore a special delight for me to experience Munch here in Rome together with you, Mr. President and all of you tonight.

Edvard Munch passed away more than 80 years ago, but his art still touches our hearts and minds. As the title of this exhibition implies, Edvard Munch had a troubled soul. An inner fire.

Rolf Stenersen, his lifelong friend and supporter, wrote in his book Edvard Munch – Portrait of a Genius: “As all great artists, Edvard Munch holds up a mirror before us. His works give us glimpses into the depths of our own souls.”

Munch himself insisted that his work must be observed at a distance to be fully grasped: “My work requires distance to avoid missing the totality and what I am trying to convey. I do not paint leaves and twigs, nails and worts”, he said.

He believed that his own troubled mind belonged to all mankind. Therefore, to make it universal and relevant for all, he never painted defined faces – except when portraying somebody. Humans are often vaguely outlined in his works. They could be you – or me – at any time through history.

This may explain why Edvard Munch’s art always feels relevant to us… Another famous Norwegian artist who spent time in Rome in the same period as Munch, was the author and Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset. She often said: “Times may change. But the human heart never does.”

I hope this exhibition will evoke emotions and reflections for all visitors. I would like to congratulate Arthemisia and the Munch Museum in Oslo for realizing this important cultural exchange – in doing so, creating a new bond between Italy and Norway.

With these words, I declare the exhibition “MUNCH: Inner Fire” open.