Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden 2016
Left: Paul Klee, Ad marginem, 1930. Courtesy of Kunstmuseum Basel. Bequest of Richard Doetsch-Benziger, Basel 1960. Photo: Kunstmuseum Basel, Martin P. Bühler. Middle top: Paul Klee, Kairuan, Before the Gate, 1914. (Kairuan, framför porten.) Photo: Moderna Museet. Below middle: Ivan Aguéli, Afrikanskt landskap, ca 1914. (African Landscape.) Photo: Åsa Lundén/Moderna Museet.
World-class contemporary art, open to everyone The most highly regarded art museum in the Nordics, and Sweden’s most visited, Moderna Museet in Stockholm is undoubtedly an essential destination for locals and tourists alike. Boasting an impressive collection containing some of the most famous contemporary artworks, it is accessible and open minded and, since January this year, admission is free. By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Moderna Museet
“The fact that the environment is so permissive, that it’s so easy to pop in for a dose of art history or a coffee, or to chat to our guides for a bit more depth, that’s a real strength of ours,” says Nina Strollo, head of communications. With an inviting café just inside the door and a nice view across the water, this is a relaxing and indeed very popular place to meet – but the laid-back atmosphere comes with unquestionable gravitas. This is where, in 1968, Andy Warhol spoke those famous words: “In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.” The prominent permanent collection, which is among the finest collections in the world in regards to 20th and 21st 52 | Issue 86 | March 2016
century art, displays works by distinguished artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Louise Bourgeois and, of course, Warhol himself. The photography collection goes back as far as 1840. “You can pretty much experience the entire contemporary art history here,” says Strollo. One of the highlights this spring, running until 24 April, is the Klee/Aguéli exhibition. “This is quite an extraordinary meeting of these two painters, who lived at the same time but actually never met,” Strollo explains. An anarchist, Sufi and traveller, Aguéli’s life story is in itself fascinating, and this exhibition adds a peculiar aspect by mapping the two
artists’ destinies and finding touchpoints, not least in their inspiration from North Africa and the Middle East. “It is classic painting at its very best,” says Strollo. For art aficionados as well as novices, Moderna Museet offers a full experience whether for a quick fix or a whole afternoon. Audio guides are available, and the knowledgeable exhibition guides are always keen to help put the art into context or discuss particular art scenes. “Experiencing art is completely subjective, and there are no rights or wrongs,” says Strollo. “That’s what’s so great about art: it can mean different things to each and every spectator. We’re all about embracing that. If you want to read up, learn more and reflect, we offer the opportunity to do just that – but we’re not about the highbrow, elitist thing. Everybody’s welcome.” For more information, please visit: www.modernamuseet.se