Edvard Munch: Trembling Earth

Edvard Munch's paintings, lithographs, watercolors, and woodcuts are explored in a new book about his landscapes, seascapes, and existential environments. The book highlights his preference for liminal spaces and his concern for nature's destruction by humans, and includes a short story by Ali Smith inspired by his work. The exhibition schedule includes the Clark Art Institute, Museum Barberini, and Munch Museum.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

A captivating exploration into the lesser-known realm of Edvard Munch's artistic landscapes, seascapes, and existential environments, shedding light on his artistic vision in the context of both his own time and our contemporary world.

This meticulously illustrated catalogue offers a comprehensive examination of Munch's portrayal of nature and landscape, a theme that has been somewhat overlooked in the scholarly discourse surrounding his oeuvre. Despite its significant presence, this volume pioneers the exploration of this theme across Munch's entire body of work, encompassing his paintings, lithographs, watercolors, and woodcuts.

Through his depictions of forests, farmland, and the seashore, as well as his portrayals of sea storms, snow, and other extreme weather conditions, Munch presents us with undulating forms that breathe life into nature. Moreover, his paintings of liminal spaces, where transformations occur, often celebrate the harmonious interplay between humans and nature in its myriad manifestations.

The book also delves into Munch's less conventional landscapes, particularly those where his iconic "Scream" motif emerges. These environments convey a profound existential perspective on nature, suggesting that Munch held a deep concern for the destruction wrought by humans upon the natural world. This concern remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

A complementary analysis of Munch's writings as primary sources alongside his images reveals how he seamlessly blended a scientific perspective on nature with metaphysical and spiritual notions of rebirth, which permeate other parts of his artistic corpus.

Furthermore, the book includes an engaging short story by acclaimed author Ali Smith, inspired by Munch's artistic brilliance. This literary contribution adds another dimension to our understanding and appreciation of Munch's artistic legacy.

Published in conjunction with the exhibition "Edvard Munch: Nature and the Scream" at the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA, from June 10 to October 15, 2023, and at the Museum Barberini, Potsdam, from November 18, 2023, to April 1, 2024, this catalogue provides a profound and enriching journey into the world of Edvard Munch.

Weight: 1344g
Dimension: 223 x 292 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270501