Nils Ohlsen – författare

Soon after 1968, several Norwegian art pioneers began producing radically simplified paintings with monochrome surfaces, using pure colours and strictly geometric forms. This marked the beginning of Concrete Art in Norway. It is unjust that to this day, many of its representatives have remained little-known not only in Germany but also in their homeland. This publication is the first comprehensive work on the subject, showcasing the huge diversity and quality of the movement in Europe’s northernmost kingdom. It not only focuses on paintings, prints, sculptures and installations from the 1970s to the present day but also examines video, textile art, and photography. Thus, it presents a broad spectrum of Concrete Art in Norway since 1970.First comprehensive overview of Concrete Art in Norway since 1970 – with around 100 works by over 25 artistsDiscovery of previously little-known positionsArtists: Eirin Bjørsland Hansen, Paul Brand, Marie Buskov, Herbert Hebler, Callum Inness, Hennie-Ann Isdahl, Marte Johnslien, Camilla Løw, Edith Lundebrekke, Arne Malmedal, Trine Mauritz, Tone Myskja, Kristin Nordhøy, Thomas Pihl, Bjørn Ranvse, Stein Rønning, Dag Skedsmo, Anders Sletvold Moe, Thorbjørn Sørensen, Lars Strandh, André Tehrani, Mouche Thomsen, Gerd Tinglum, Tone Vigeland, Sidsel Westbø, Erlend Grytbakk Wold, Martin Woll Godal, Sverre WyllerExhibitions: Lillehammer Art Museum, October 24, 2026 to February 7, 2027; Museum für Konkrete Kunst und Design Ingolstadt, expectedly fall/winter 2027/2028

Christian Krohg was a key figure in the Norwegian art community of the 1880s and 1890s, and was strongly influenced by the ideology of realism. In his view, art should have meaning for a broad segment of the population, not merely serve as wall decorations for the bourgeoisie. Three types of motifs were recurrent themes for Krohg during this period: the working-class hero, scenes from family life and "the fallen woman". Many people responded to his literary and visual representations of the poverty-stricken girl Albertine. He depicted members of the working class with great sympathy in paintings such as Errand Boy Drinking Coffee and Woman Cutting Bread. The Gaihede family, fishermen from Skagen in Denmark, are portrayed in many everyday situations, as are members of Krohg's own family. The catalogue sheds light on the subject matter of the exhibition, Krohg's period of study in Berlin and its impact on him, his relationship with Georg Brandes, the novel Albertine and Krohg's own use of photography as a model for his work and a medium.Text in English and Norwegian.

Hardly another name is better known in Norwegian art history than that of Hans Gude. He is usually referred to together with Adolph Tidemand, as the two artists are inextricably linked through their famous collaborative project Bridal Procession on the Hardangerfjord, painted in Düsseldorf in 1848, which has become a national icon.This book presents Hans Gude's maritime pictures and coastal landscapes, while also highlighting his important role as an inspiring teacher of Norwegian artists such as Eilif Peterssen, Kitty Kielland, Frits Thaulow, Christian Krohg and many others as a professor at the art academy in Karlsruhe.Text in English and Norwegian.