I walked to the Munch Museum this morning, a striking building with a forward-leaning profile. There are 14 floors and 11 gallery spaces, so a lot to take in.
I was thrilled to view the oil version of The Scream—the most famous and least exhibited version. Copies are shown at timed intervals because the originals are too fragile to remain on display. Other versions include a lithograph print and a crayon rendering.
I tried to take in all the exhibits, but I ended up walking out of a few. I like Munch, but too much of his familiar themes of isolation, anxiety, and psychological struggle can be a bit overwhelming and unenjoyable. The ghoulish white faces crop up in his paintings a lot.
I really enjoyed the exhibition Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory, that showcased a collection of artworks created for the women’s canteen at a chocolate factory. The exhibition offered an interesting glimpse into everyday working life, especially his interest in workers, women, and children. The paintings actually absorbed traces of cocoa powder and cigarette smoke from being hung in the workplace.
At the top of Munch, I enjoyed panoramic views of the city and the harbour. Then I went down and had the best sticky cardamom bun ever in the café.
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