The Art Nouveau Master

Art Nouveau flourished in Europe from approximately 1890 to 1910. It arose as an effort to create a new artistic style for the modern age. Its inspiration was nature, which was depicted with an eye for abstraction, rhythmic lines and a denotation of the flat surface. An interest in the interaction between all types of artistic genre was typical for this period, whether it was in painting and sculpture, or in architecture, applied arts and design.

Thorolf Holmboe (1866-1935), from Tromsø, was one of the foremost Norwegian artists of the Art Nouveau movement. This exhibition consists of a minor selection of Holmboe's paintings, as well as books, silver and porcelain objects designed by the artist. Exploring the decorative potential of Northern Norway's nature and wildlife, Holmboe created a distinct and personal style, and his work can be considered as a unique and arctic contribution to international Art Nouveau.