I would normally not write my thoughts on my blog page as it is a page dedicated to showing my work.
However, an exception is made as I am bursting with sadness and disbelief for the recent verdict of two years prison sentence with no permission to paint-for the greatest painter in Norwegian history, Odd Nerdrum.
It is a paradox that a country that proudly speaks of its noble democracy, exercises such obvious dictatorial behavior toward certain citizens. Odd Nerdrum embodies the very definition of an individual both with his persona and certainly his work. He is a shining star with little regard for political correctness and networking for political, economical and egocentric pursuits. There is no secret that he has made many people uncomfortable with his work and statements, and has harvested poisonous laughter and scornful and hateful remarks among the "know it all", but to trial him with such cruelty and malice is beyond my comprehension.
When I was in ninth grade I went on a class journey to the fall exhibition on Oslo. This is considered one if not the most important annual art exhibition in Norway. As a sixteen year old, I was stunned to see the condition of conceptual art and frankly how much junk was filling up the exhibition space. My heart was unmoved, but my mind was provoked- yes, it was filled with irritation and a understanding that art is pretentious, futile and ridiculous... until I entered the last room...
There it was, the painting that etched into my soul and redefined what I though was possible and redirected my life completely. It was as if the path of my life forked at that moment into golden streams of possibility. With "woman killing wounded man" I was awestruck and elevated. The theme plucked my heart strings as if I was Orpheus's harp. The man and the woman were suspended in the air, and they where moving while being still. The blood on the mans head was so red and although so brutal, so beautiful. The back of the woman so smooth and delicate. Like marzipan.
That Christmas, all the books by Odd Nerdrum were on the top of my wish list. And all the years prior to studying at the Florence Academy of Art, the images in these books were my guidance in painting.
I am confident that many painters, and lovers of paintings both in Scandinavia and abroad have had similar life altering experiences in discovering the master pieces of Odd Nerdrum. It is devastating that such a cruel sentence is inflicted upon Odd and his family. Beyond this, the sentence is devastating for Norway and for painting internationally. I am shocked that it is even stated that he cannot paint in prison. And like many of my colleagues, I am so afraid that this will destroy him. This is a sentence right from the Spanish inquisition and Maoist china where creative thought, self development and spiritual celebration are put on the public bonfire.
For anyone even beginning to suggest that he evaded his taxes and has to be treated equal to any other tax evader, consider this: any other public figure would have to pay up, give a public apology, leave their job with a golden parachute, and enter a new job shortly after. This sentence is not equal of fair, but comes from a place of venom, hate and destruction. The Norwegian government is hereby seeking to protect itself more than its citizens. This is not the democracy I voted for.
Odd Nerdrum has payed his taxes. Now let him paint!
With all my heart,
Cornelia
To read Odd Nerdrum's wife Turid Spildos' war report, visit her blog on this subject.
OCEAN SONG
60x68cm This finish on this frame has been especially made by the artist to accommodate this painting.
PANDORAS BOX
55x60cm 2011. The finish on the frame (metal leaf and layered paint) is made by the artist to specifically accommodate this painting.
YEARNING
85x90cm. 2011. The finish on this frame is especially made by the artist to accommodate this panting.
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