Geometric Abstractions
From the 1950s onwards, abstract art finally gains acceptance in the Nordic countries. After its early harsh reception, an increasing number of artists adopt the abstract idiom. As modernism evolves, new forms of abstraction emerge; from abstracted but recognisable figuration, to so-called concrete painting, and eventually the optical abstraction of the 1960s.
Initially, it is claimed that such images reveal an entirely new visual world – that their idiom was hitherto unknown to mankind – thus glorifying the artist as a kind of “creator God”. When images are cleansed of recognisable features, what remains are universal values, such as form and colour. Even so, we are always inclined to look for a figurative logic in a composition; cone shapes resemble loudhailers or beams of light, squares look like factory chimneys or houses, circles can be seen as heads or flowers.
Form Families
The term “form family” is applied to various kinds of groupings in modern art, not least in modern studio ceramics, or to works that artists create in series. In this room we present works by four potters who explore variations on basic forms and traditional vessel types such as vases, jugs and bowls.
Although each potter has a distinct stylistic signature, we still notice variations within a single group. In terms of their silhouettes, volumes, and surfaces, these pieces possess a modern, simple type of beauty that can be enjoyed without regard for their practical uses. Hand-crafted ceramics play a major role in the modern design movement and are intended to add beauty to the everyday lives of people under pressure to buy cheap mass-produced crockery and decorative items.
The pictures on the walls are the work of artists who work in series. Each series amounts to a family of forms. Together, they illustrate how serialism plays with phenomena such as rhythm, swirling movement, ornament, silhouette, corpus vessels and variations on a motif or figure.
The following text is a general presentation about the full exhibition .
About Passions of the North
Passion's of the North is the very first exhibition in our unique and completely renovated silo. Kunstsilo houses the Tangen Collection, comprising over 5,000 works amassed over 25 years by Nicolai Tangen.
Passions of the North showcases the richness of the Tangen Collection, presenting a wide variety of representative works that reflect the impact of modern art across the five Nordic countries. This exhibition, curated by Åsmund Thorkildsen, offers the largest display of the Tangen Collection under one roof, featuring over 600 works from the collection. The exhibition takes visitors on a diverse journey through 20th century Nordic art.
How is art influenced by society and the lives we live?
Nordic Modernism refers to the artistic movement that flourished in the Nordic region throughout the 20th century. In an era marked by significant changes in art, culture, and society, Nordic artists were influenced by global currents. They often explored the tension between modern urban life and the traditional, stable life back home in the Nordics.
The Outward Longing and The Way Back
For the modern artist in the 20th century, passion was a major driving force. They lived in a world of great change. A desire for exploration and the need for development led Nordic artists out into the world during Modernism. Experiences and insights were expressed through their art. In vibrant cities like Berlin, Munich, Paris, London, and New York, they engaged with the form and content of modern art.
Several artistic movements flourished in the Nordic region during the 20th century. In a period marked by radical change in art, culture, and society, many Nordic artists headed to Europe’s major metropolises to take part in international and experimental art movements. But despite this longing outward, many discovered a sense of wonder for their roots and identity, eventually returning to the traditional and stable ways of life in the countries they called home.
Interest in new technology and politics, along with major questions about humanity's and art's place in the new world, were central themes for Modernist artists - and perhaps feel just as relevant today?
“It’s hard to pinpoint why, but I like the universal abstract language in Concrete Art. It doesn’t tell you what you are looking at, or are meant to understand, but instead challenges you to think and feel.”
“The Norwegian collection is, of course, leading in terms of the number of artworks, but the Swedish, Finnish, and Danish collections also have a representation that is unparalleled in museum collections in the Nordic countries. Kristiansand is fortunate to display the world’s foremost collection of Nordic art in Kunstsilo.”
Kunstsilo opened on 11th May 2024, and Passions of the North is Kunstsilo's inaugural exhibition.
The exhibition is curated by Åsmund Thorkildsen, a renowned Norwegian museum leader, curator, and author with a background from Kunstnernes Hus, and former director of both the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and The Museum of Drammen of Art and Cultural History.
Exhibition period
The exhibition is initially set across three floors, each to be dismantled at different times. The last date to experience the entire exhibition was Sunday, August 25.
“TIVOLI” in S-Lab will remain until November 3.
2nd floor
The last chance to experience the entire 2nd floor is December 30, 2024.
At that time, half of the floor will be taken down to make room for Mette Tronvoll’s exhibition Time.
The rest of Passions of the North on the 2nd floor will remain on display until Wednesday, January 22.
4th Floor
Half will be taken down on November 3, 2024, to make room for the Sparebanken Sør Art Prize. The rest of the floor will remain on display until April 20, 2025.
