Munch in London 

The Modern Eye focuses on Edvard Munch’s later works and his relationship to the times in which he lived. The exhibition presents Munch as a modern artist – a true artist of the 20th century who embraced the new technology of the era and experimented with photography and film. The exhibition consists of 60 paintings, 50 photographs, films and a number of drawings. Many of the works are on loan from the Munch Museum and other collections in Norway.

In her speech, Queen Sonja said:

“To me, this exhibition really is an eye opener, as it gives us the opportunity to become acquainted with another side of Munch’´s art. 'The Modern Eye' reflects the anguish Munch suffered throughout his life – which is visible in many of his masterpieces – but this exhibition also shows him as a modern man open to new ideas and technologies of the 20th century.” The Queen was given a guided tour of the exhibition by Director of the Tate, Sir Nicholas Serota , and curator Nicholas Cullinan.

Enormous interest

The Modern Eye has previously been displayed in Paris and Frankfurt. Queen Sonja attended the preview to the exhibition, entitled L’oeil moderne, when it opened at the Centre Pompidou in Paris on 18 September 2011. It ran there until 23 January 2012. In February, Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened the German version, Der Moderne Blick, at Schrin Kunsthalle in Frankfurt. The Modern Eye has attracted enormous attention. More than 700 000 people viewed the exhibition in Paris and Frankfurt – a recording-breaking number of visitors. The exhibition opens to the public at the Tate Modern on 28 June, and will be on display until 14 October.

Munch anniversary

2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Edvard Munch’s birth. Munch 2013, a year-long programme commemorating the artist’s work and significance, will open on 23 January, the date of his death. The programme is designed to spread knowledge and cultivate interest in Munch both at home and abroad throughout the anniversary year, and a variety of exhibitions and events will be held all over Norway. Scheduled to open on 1 June at the Munch Museum and the National Gallery in Oslo, the main exhibition represents the largest display of Munch’s paintings since 1927.

The anniversary year commemoration events will conclude on 12 December, Munch’s birthday.