PhD project
My PhD project “Edvard Munch and Crystallization. An artistic practice in the light of crystallization aesthetics and theories 1890-1930” will look at Edvard Munch’s art and how a particular idea — crystallization — shaped his thinking and work. Around 1900, the concept of crystallization was popular across many fields: science, philosophy, mysticism, and art. It was used to describe how something invisible or immaterial could take on physical form, and vice versa. Scientific experiments at the time revealed previously hidden crystal structures, presenting crystals as having dynamic, living dimensions and as a kind of bridge between living and non-living matter.
Crystallization was also a recurring theme in Munch’s art, in his writings, paintings, prints, and drawings. It connected to his belief that humans are deeply linked to nature and the universe. Although Munch’s interest in crystallization is often cited, no systematic study has examined its role as both scientific and aesthetic framework shaping his practice. By situating Munch within the aesthetic–scientific currents of his time, this study highlights a previously underexplored dimension in which crystallization works as both image and metaphor.
Background
Cand.Philol. in Art History from the University of Oslo (2006) with a thesis on Edvard Munch’s bathing motifs. Since 2014 curator at MUNCH, where I have made several exhibitions, among them Edvard Munch: Trembling Earth (2024), Goya and Munch: Modern Prophecies (2023), Satyricon & Munch (2022), Edvard Munch. Infinite (2021), Edvard Munch. Monumental (2021) and Moonrise. Marlene Dumas & Edvard Munch (2018).
Positions held
- Museum lecturer, Munchmuseet (2007)
- Curator, Vigeland Museum (2009-2014)
- Head of Programme for the Munch Anniversary Munch150 (2012-2013)
- Curator and Senior Curator at the Munch Museum (2014-)
Positions of trust
- Chair of the Art History Association (2008-2012)
- Co-editor of Kunstforum magazine (2011-2016)
- Board member NORDIK (2019-2022)
- Deputy board member, Section for Art and Design Museums, Norwegian Museum Association (2021-23)
- Union Representative, Forskerforbundet (2009-2023)
- Board Member, The Norwegian Association of Curators (2024-2025)
- Vice Chair, The Norwegian Association of Curators (2025-)
Selected publications
- "A certain pre-Cubism, Munch-Picasso." In: Influences and affinities, Museo Picasso, Malaga, 2026.
- "Even in the Hardest Stone the Flame of Life Blazes." In: Edvard Munch. Trembling Earth, MUNCH, 2024.
- "Munch’s Goya: Underexposed Connections." In: Goya - Munch, Modern Prophecies, Munchmuseet, 2023.
- "Un cri à travers la nature." In: MUNCH: Un poème de vie, d´amour et de mort, Musée d`Orsay, Paris, 2022.
- "Moonrise. Dumas and Munch." In: Omega’s Eyes, Munchmuseet, 2018.
- "A Forgotten Symbolist. Louis Moe." In: Sverre Malling - Louis Moe, No Comprendo Press, 2013.
- "Gustav Vigeland and Stanislaw Przybyszewski." In: On the Paths of the Soul. Gustav Vigeland and Polish Sculpture around 1900, Vigelandmuseet, 2010.
- "En uhyggelig Kunstudstilling." In: Billedhugger Gustav Vigelands Separat-Udstilling 1894, Vigelandmuseet, 2008.