Seoul Arts Center Presents: Edvard Munch
“Disease, insanity, and death were the angels that attended my cradle, and since then have followed me throughout my life.” -Edvard Munch
These exact words of Edvard Munch certainly reflect on his paintings which are now being exhibited in the Hangaram Art Museum located at the Seoul Arts Center. “The Scream,” Munch’s most famous creation, highlights the exhibit amongst far more superior works the artist has produced, however don’t be as disappointed as I was when you only see the lithograph version [and NOT the actual painting]. To reconcile the loss, “Edvard Munch and the Modern Soul” offers more inspiring art as well as insight into the artist’s life and mind. One of the many things I became conscious of about Munch is that he recreates his pieces in variations of style, technique and perspective.
For example:
1- “Death in the Sickroom” (1895)
A painting inspired by the death of his sister, Sophie, appears alongside one his other works, “The Sick Child,” which captures the essence of the mourning experience of his family members.
Two versions of this painting were featured. Almost exactly alike, though one is a zoomed-in version from its landscape form to highlight the significant emotions being reflected. Munch also plays around with different colors and shadings to make slight differences.
2- “The Kiss” (1897)
“The Kiss” is another work by Munch where Munch recreates several times using different techniques. Part of the “femme fatale” theme, this painting represents the woman as a dominant creature feeding her sexual appetite.
3- “Vampire” (1893)
“Vampire,” originally known as “Love and Pain,” is another macabre portrayal of Munch’s “femme fatale” phase, where the empowered woman sucks the life out of a man. Some believe that the man represents Munch, and the woman as the prostitute he used to visit.
Downside of the exhibit:
As most of you know, Seoul sometimes suffers from a lack of imagination and a reliance on contrivance. This becomes evident to any art museum patrons when you realize that the set –up was overly thought through using soft lighting which makes it difficult to recognize the efforts of the artist’s work as opposed to the standard bright lighting utilized by museums and galleries all over the world. Furthermore, some genius staff member came up with the brilliant idea to put the paintings and description against red, black, blue… whatever color wall except white. In result, most commentaries were so hazy to the eye that you mayhap leave with a migraine if you attempt to read about the background and history of Munch’s incredible work.
Overall, the exhibit was executed well, but take notes, so that you can google it afterwards rather than endure the stilted exhibit the production team produced.
Other works featured: “Cupid and Psyche,” “Madonna,” and his rendition of “Starry Night.”
Edvard Munch and the Modern Soul
Period: 2014.07.03 to 2014.10.12(go asap)
Time: 11:00 to 20:00
Venue: Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Art Center
Tickets: Adults 15,000won/Teens 12,000won, Children 10,000won Elderly 10,000won
Phone: 1666-3329
Subway: Nambu Bus Terminal Station
Online Booking: http://www.sacticket.co.kr/
