The Renzo Piano
designed
new premises of the
Astrup Fearnley
Museum of Modern Art
in
Oslo
is truly stunning.
Resembling the sails of a massive
windmill,
it sits on the edge of what appears
to be reclaimed land
jutting out to the fjord,
as if ready to depart on an ocean voyage.
This is part of a huge
urban renewal project
that encompasses housing,
retail, hotels,
food & beverage
&
now,
culture.
This striking architecture
will perhaps begin a new trend in the
Nordic capital,
paving way for stunning
buildings that are visually
spectacular.
Eye catching, bold
&
big,
the new venue is timely.
Opened in September 2012,
this private museum
was constructed on what used to be
shipyards.
 |
| With a balanced combination of wood, glass, metal & concrete, the building leans towards a very Scandinavian look & feel. As if breaking out into the vast open space, the Astrup Fearnley's architectural uniqueness may kick start a new movement for this city by the fjord. Founded in 1993 & still privately owned, works from major to minor adorn the walls of this stylish structure, showcasing contemporary art. |
 |
| The new art space comes under the city council's urban planning project whereby most of the museums in Oslo will eventually be relocated to an area nearby called Vestbanen. |
Onward & upwards,
the premise of this gallery was founded on
two large shipping fortunes,
namely
the
Heddy & Nils Astrup Foundation
&
the
Thomas Fearnley Foundation.
The walk out
to the new space takes you past
Aker Brygge,
a popular
shopping & dining venue.
High end apartments
with breathtaking
views of the water ways
sit above this complex,
while
ferries come & go to the outlying
islands beyond.
As you approach this
world class edifice,
the graceful lines of the building
draw a clear comparison
to all the
elements of nature.
This modern architectural idea of
the link between
"inside & outside"
is indeed well proven.
Wide windows create the
illusion of infinity.
Natural light,
on a sunny day,
shines bright like shafts of cut glass,
streams in.
As you wander among the rooms,
each scaled differently,
you begin to relax and
the dialogue between
art & viewer
begins.
"The purpose of art is
washing the dust of daily life
off our souls."
Pablo Picasso
 |
| Museums provide an opportunity for the people to access, learn, enjoy & be inspired by art. |
 |
| The quirky & the ridiculous are meant to trigger thought... |
...and pave the escape from the ordinary.
Museums are also
depositories,
safe guarding
precious history
for the future.
The life cycle of such establishments
are infinite.
Art lives on.
 |
| Modern life with all the complexities of daily living is indeed challenging. Any visit to view art is a reward that transports us to a quiet place. |
" Without art, the crudeness of reality would make
the world unbearable."
George Bernard Shaw
As I move from
room to room,
I feel fortunate to have had this
opportunity to be presented
with this colossal range of ideas.
After all,
all art starts with an idea.
 |
| Modern art is thought provoking. Initially, the message is not always crystal clear... |
...and the mission of the artist at best,
ambiguous.
The open space allows
our thoughts to be free of constraint.
Our imagination floats idle,
like a lotus flower on a deserted pond...
...while our eyes take in the creative genius of mankind.
The sound of my shoes sliding
against the polished concrete floor,
makes me conscious
of my surroundings.
Museums make us behave,
consider our moment...
slow down
&
shift gears.
On top of it all,
you are
up close & personal
with works
worth millions.
"Drawing is like making an
expressive gesture
with
the advantage of permanence."
Henri Matisse
Every now & then,
something different comes along.
The inquisitive nature of human beings
makes this a reality.
Our growing appetite
demands more...
...from everyone.
The impressions leave with
you
&
linger on.
We each walk away with
a different mental inventory
from the visit.
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
is a refreshing experience.
The new premises has
all the promise
of a young artist full of energy,
ideas
&
determination,
while being fearless in her
quest to remain
individualistic.
This aspiration
may be key to what
the Nordic capital needs.
In trying there may be a
possibility of success...
talk against talk
is simply a waste of time.
