Melgaard + Munch

Book excerpt: What is the critical relevance of Edvard Munch (1863-1944) to contemporary society? This publication places Munch's oeuvre in dialogue with works by the Norwegian-born, New York-based artist Bjarne Melgaard (born 1967), whose art has often provoked controversy--as was the case with Munch, in his lifetime. Their bodies of creative work are related in numerous ways. Both have worked with reference to their own biography; there is also an artistic kinship between the two in terms of their painterly idioms, motifs and themes. Addressing subjects such as sexuality, gender, death, loneliness and alienation, they both address key issues of modern society. The catalogue explores the dystopian critique of civilization that underlies their respective oeuvres. In addition to a wide range of well-known works by both artists, it presents new pieces by Melgaard that explore the themes he considers of particular importance in Munch's oeuvre.