More and more residents of Kristiansand are becoming familiar with the term modernism. Much of this can be attributed to the opening of Kunstsilo and the artworks in its collection.
On 1 January, the new continuing education course, Nordic Modernism, will begin.
The Faculty of Fine Arts has long wanted to include more about Nordic Modernism into its study programmes, and they've received a significant amount of interest from the local community for a separate course. Dean Marit Wergeland believes that the museum and its collection have instilled a newfound sense of pride, engagement and curiosity in Kristiansand.
"We have a societal mission. We want to help people expand their knowledge, inspire them to want more, encourage playfulness and foster curiosity. This course provides an opportunity to further cultivate this curiosity and explore the world of art,” says Wergeland.
A different experience of art
Art historian Frida Forsgren at UiA is the initiator of the course. She believes that the museum has given a boost to Kristiansand and the region. Through the Nordic Modernism course, she aims to equip students with the tools to recognise the various ways in which artists have been inspired during this period.
"By employing these tools, it becomes easier to understand the art and perhaps recognise differences across history. You begin to see things with fresh eyes and awaken your senses in new ways," says Forsgren.
Forsgren emphasises that it isn’t necessary to understand the art, but you’ll be more engaged and experience enjoyment by learning more.
The Tangen Collection
Nicolai Tangen's collection contains 5,500 works of art and is continually growing. The collection covers a wide range of art, including paintings, sculptures, installations and crafts. It spans from the beginning of the 1900s until approximately 1990 and features works exclusively from Nordic artists. The collection has never been displayed in its entirety and has been donated to Kunstsilo, with perpetual access rights.
Works from the Tangen Collection will be on the syllabus of the Nordic Modernism course. Forsgren, who will teach the course, believes that it is important to seize the moment and capitalise on the opportunities presented.
Tangen himself is excited that UiA has launched a continuing education course in Nordic Modernism. He wishes them good luck with the initiative:
"It shows that Kunstsilo delivers the impacts we were hoping for, and students can really look forward to this," says Nicolai Tangen.
Facts about modernism
Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged during the late 19th century and continued through much of the 20th century. This period was marked by many social upheavals brought about by industrialisation, urbanisation and technological development.