I am sure most of you know «The Scream» - Edvard Munch’s most famous work. But Edvard Munch’s impressive art production goes far beyond «The Scream». The exhibition «Edvard Munch: Beyond the Scream» is a solid confirmation of that, as it will include 80 graphic works from the collection of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, a gift of Charles and Evelyn Kramer in New York. The Kramer collection of Munch’s graphic work is one of the most important private collections of his works.
I am indeed proud that the Herakleidon Museum has chosen to exhibit so many works of Norway’s best known painter.
Unique masterpieces of art
Edvard Munch once said that «In my art I have tried to explain to myself life and its meaning». Munch’s voyage into his soul has given the world unique masterpieces of art. I am really looking forward to seeing some of these at the Herakleidon Museum and I strongly recommend all readers to go and see the exhibition.
Art is a powerful vehicle for communication, a way to express visions that go beyond the capacity of words. Throughout history, a number of artists, including Munch, have through their work given us the opportunity to reflect about life and its meaning. Whether it appears in paintings, movies, music or books; cultural and art tend to move us in a number of ways. They make us reflect and think and become creative. It is through thinking, reflection, discussions and innovative ideas that our world is developing. These are reasons why art and culture are so important. This is also one more reason to support artists and also to ensure their freedom of expression all over the world.
A great honor
The embassy, together with the Norwegian Institute at Athens, have organized and supported a variety of cultural activities this year. These include book presentations, photo exhibitions, movie shows and classical and rock concerts. Cultural activities have the ability, in their own independent way, to enhance communication between people. They are tools for intercultural understanding and awareness. «Beyond the Scream» in the Herakleidon Museum is such a tool, and it is really an honor to support the exhibition.