Edvard Munch: Master of Light in Art

Edvard Munch, best known for his iconic painting “The Scream,” is the focus of a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The exhibit offers a chronological survey of Munch’s portraits, highlighting the artist’s technical prowess and psychological insight. Munch’s work extends beyond “The Scream,” revealing a range of styles and techniques that capture diverse emotions and personalities.

Munch’s portraits from different periods showcase his evolving style. An 1882 self-portrait and a portrait of Jørgen Sørensen from 1885 reveal his early representational approach, while a 1886 study of his brother shows a shift towards bolder colors and linear designs. His use of light is a remarkable feature throughout his work.

The exhibition explores Munch’s interaction with bohemian circles in Kristiania, Paris, and Berlin, presenting works like the 1889 portrait of Hans Jaeger and the etching “Kristiania Bohemians II” (1895). Despite the significance of Munch’s technique and artistic exploration, the exhibition’s interpretative labels occasionally offer misguided or exaggerated insights into the artwork.

In particular, a portrait of Felix Auerbach (1906) is linked to Vincent van Gogh without substantial evidence. Additionally, the exhibition’s explanations of Munch’s engagement with Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy often oversimplify complex ideas, reducing them to broad statements.

The exhibition successfully conveys Munch’s ability to portray the distinct characters of his sitters, despite the sometimes distractive wall texts. The insightful presentation of Munch’s paintings captures the depth of the artist’s exploration of psychological and emotional states through portraiture, inviting visitors to appreciate the broad scope of his work beyond “The Scream.”

Running until June 15, the “Edvard Munch Portraits” exhibition is curated by Alison Smith, offering art enthusiasts a chance to explore Munch’s genius in depth at the National Portrait Gallery, London.