Harald Sohlberg. Infinite Landscapes

Sohlberg focused on parts of Norway that had attracted little interest among other artists. With his pictures he helped places such as Røros and Rondane to establish cultural and artistic identities. Despite their apparent realism, his paintings stand aloof from time and geographic location.

The exhibition showed the range and ambiguity of Sohlberg’s art. His pictures are mysterious and thought provoking. Images of tranquil summer nights convey the beauty of nature, while at the same time arousing a sense of disquiet. His rich colours appeal to our intuitions and emotions. He explores hidden connections between the outer perceptible world and the inner essence of the human condition.

Show the image in fullscreen

In many of Sohlberg’s landscapes the absence of people is striking, not least because they contain so many indications of human life – houses, roads and telegraph poles. The tension Sohlberg captures between tradition and modernity makes his visual universe exceptional in both Norwegian and international contexts. His themes and painting technique distinguish him from his contemporaries, but also define him as unique and enduringly relevant.