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Harriet Backer: New video

Written by: Anette Basso

Updated

A lovely short film and photos from the collaboration exhibition:

Here you will get updated information about the great Harriet Backer exhibition project, and the exhibition that will be on display at the National Museum in Oslo this autumn!

Harriet Backer (1845-1932) was regarded as the very "grand dame" of Norwegian painting even while she was alive, a position that is particularly impressive in a time when women still lacked the right to vote.

Backer is known for her rich and vibrant depictions of interiors, as well as scenes from church rituals and everyday life.

Throughout 2023-2025, Backer will be featured in a new exhibition collaboration, which will highlight the innovative aspects of Backer's art as well as take a closer look at her central role in Norwegian cultural life.

The exhibition presents Backer's life, artistic development, and position in society during a time when women's rights underwent radical changes.

Et utstillingsrom med burgunder vegger og teksten Harriet Backer Hvert atom er farge

Foto: Nasjonalmuseet / Ina Wesenberg

Et utstillingsrom med burgunder vegger og maleri på veggen i bakgrunnen

Foto: Nasjonalmuseet / Ina Wesenberg

The collaborative exhibition "Harriet Backer: Every Atom is Color" has opened at the National Museum in Oslo, and will be shown at Kode in 2025.

In 2024/25, the exhibition will also be displayed at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

Et utstillingsrom med grønne vegger og en buet inngang, med malerier på veggene

Foto: Nasjonalmuseet / Ina Wesenberg

Et utstillingsrom med hvite vegger og malerier på veggene

Foto: Nasjonalmuseet / Ina Wesenberg

I’m fine, except I’m toiling and cold, and alone. Yet it holds no significance, because I’m as sturdy as a rock, spending eight hours a day in my dark, cold church. 

Harriet Backer

The Norwegian artist Harriet Backer (1845-1932) depicted Uvdal stave church in several of her paintings in the early 20th century. 
 
Based on her letters from this period, Kode and Sølvrev have made a short film from the distinctive stave church, as Backer may have experienced it over 100 years ago. 
 
The short film is produced by Kode in collaboration with the National Museum and Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, and made by Sølvrev. Thanks also to Fortidsminneforeningen.

En mann står foran en burgunder utstillingsvegg

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode

From the press event at the National Museum.

En kvinne foran et maleri av Harriet Backer, på en rød utstillingsvegg

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode

En gruppe mennesker foran et maleri av Harriet Backer

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode

To mennesker foran et maleri av Harriet Backer

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode

En person foran et maleri av Harriet Backer

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode

En person foran et maleri av Harriet Backer

Foto: Anette Basso / Kode