Have you ever been to the capital city of Norway? Have you been to the National Gallery of Oslo? If so, did you see the famous painting called “The Scream”? If not, then you missed an icon of modern art, the Mona Lisa for our time. But do not be worried because I am going to give you an introduction to this art and if you have a chance to visit Oslo in Norway, don’t forget to go to see this painting in person. I guarantee that you will be impressed. Now follow me to explore the art of Edvard Munch and his iconic “The Scream”.
This oil painting was painted by a Norwegian artist named Edvard Munch more than 100 years ago. It is about 3‘ x 2 1/2‘ big, probably smaller than a regular window at your house. The Scream actually has four different versions made. The one that is on exhibit in The National Gallery of Art in Oslo is the first one made. For such a famous painting, it is surprisingly simple. In the painting, there is a person who is screaming on a bridge in the foreground. In the background, further in this distance on the bridge, there are two people standing next to the rail. Beyond the bridge, there is a lake where two boats are sailing. The sky is bloody red indicating it is sunrise or sunset.
The painting is famous for its use of contrast. First, he uses the contrast of lines to tell the objects apart. There is a mix of straight lines, wavy lines, and swirly lines. The artist uses strong straight lines to paint the bridge from the right to the back of the painting. There are wavy lines in the sky and in the main character’s body. The lines in the water are rather swirly. The contrast of lines in this painting makes it fascinating and unique. Second, the artist uses complementary colors to create contrast effect. The sky is a mix of red, yellow, orange, and a little bit of blue. This is same with the bridge. In contrast, the river and the bushes around it is different shades of blue and green. The contrast in the color creates a uneasiness feeling to the audience. Third, the artist use is space to create contrast. He puts the main figure up in the front and he creates space by putting the other people further in the background of the painting. Another thing is he depicts the space by the position in the picture plane. The things in the bottom of the painting are closer to you because they are in the foreground and farther away in the painting, things are smaller and in the upper part of the painting. This creates interesting contrast in space. The artist uses shape in contrast to emphasize the distortion of the main character.
The Scream is an important art because the painter uses strong colors, simplified forms, and dynamic lines to show the restlessness, fear, and anxiety in this painting. There is a story behind this painting. You might wonder why the main character is screaming. According to the artist himself, he was walking on the bridge and he felt tired and sick. He looked over the landscape and saw that the sun was setting and the sky was red like blood. He sensed a scream through nature in his mind. This is how Munch conceived his painting.
I think this painting is worth a visit. I like The Scream because it shows powerful feelings and makes me think about many questions to ask about this painting. In conclusion, this is a great drawing.
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