Contrasts and Zorn

Being inside an art gallery is a great choice, especially when the weather outside is gloomy and rainy.

First, let’s talk about the graphic art by Lennart Jirlow, Olle Bærtling, and Theo Tobiasse. They often featured motifs of King Solomon and other artworks with French themes. The compositions typically centered around common people and the artist himself, Lennart Jirlow. Today, I discovered the color “Jirlow-blue,” named after Lennart Jirlow and his work or visit to a printing house in Paris. This color can be seen on the artist’s clothes in some of his artworks. Besides Jirlow-blue, his compositions are known for their vibrant colors.

Other artworks at the exhibition exhibit a more abstract style. Olle Bærtling predominantly employs vibrant colors, with turquoise serving as a base. I find these pieces captivating. There are also artworks by Theo Tobiasse, which share a common theme. The motifs in these artworks include King Solomon and masks (created by Kent Wahlbeck). The style is modern, incorporating a subtle influence of fauvism.

Subsequently, a grand exhibition showcasing the works of one of Sweden’s most renowned artists, Anders Zorn (1860-1920), is being held. In collaboration with Mollbrinks Art in Uppsala, approximately 50 etchings by the master himself are displayed, covering the gallery walls. These etchings span from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Zorn’s artistic journey.

Today, I had a lot to learn. My research interests in art history include symbolic art from the seventeenth century, chiaroscuro (baroque art), and the exploration of symbols in modern heraldic art and modern architecture. To delve deeper into Anders Zorn’s work, I highly recommend visiting both this exhibition and the Zorn museum.

© Björn Blomqvist 2015-11-07