In 2009 it is a century since Norway's National Academy of Fine Arts (Statens kunstakademi) was established in Christiania. The National Museum is marking this centenary with an exhibition featuring works from its own collection. Similar events were held at the National Gallery in 1969, for the Academy's 60th anniversary, and in 1984, when it turned 75.
The National Academy of Fine Arts was founded in response to an initiative by the artists interest organisation, Bildende Kunstneres Styre. Teaching started in November 1909 with 31 students and three professors. The first three professors were the painters Christian Krohg and Halfdan Strøm, and the sculptor Gunnar Utsond. Until 1998, teaching was based on classes led by professors. Today the National Academy of Fine Arts is part of the Faculty of Visual Arts at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
Professors and Teachers
The great majority of professors and teachers who have worked at the Academy are represented in the exhibition, together with a broad selection of former students. Naturally, the artistic outlook of the professors has influenced tuition at the Academy, and whether active there for longer or shorter periods, they made their mark on the development of art in Norway throughout the 20th century.
Broad Selection
The exhibition offers an opportunity to view works by, among others, Christian Krohg, Axel Revold, Jean Heiberg, Ludvig Eikaas, Arne Malmedal, Irma Salo Jæger, Per Palle Storm, Guttorm Guttormsgaard, Paul Brand, Zedenka Rusova, AK Dolven and Kjell Bjørgeengen. In addition to the art works, the exhibition presents documentary photos and films illustrating life within the institution.
Throughout the exhibition period there will be a programme of related events including guided tours, lectures, seminars and much more. The exhibition and other events are the result of acollaboration between the National Museum and the National Academy of Fine Art / the Faculty of Visual Arts at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
The exhibition is curated by Vibeke Waallann Hansen.
Reference group: Åse Markussen, Stian Grøgaard, Ellen Lerberg, Marianne Yvenes and Anita Rebolledo.