Reviews
I realized while reading this book that although I love Munch’s paintings, I had never really thought deeply about Munch himself. It led me from contemplation and reflection toward a broader understanding of what art is. I’m grateful that a book like this was translated into Korean and introduced in Korea. Highly recommended!
Karl Ove Knausgård: Reading Munch
I’d like to introduce Reading Munch, an essay in which Karl Ove Knausgård, one of Norway’s leading contemporary writers, takes a deep look at the life and work of Edvard Munch, the world-renowned Norwegian master. Knausgård goes beyond a straightforward biography or art criticism to explore Munch’s work, the era in which he lived, and what his art means to us today. Ignoring the flow of a traditional narrative, he moves between paintings and biographical details, exploring Munch through writings about him, literary works, interviews with his contemporaries, and modern philosophy. Just as Munch gathered seemingly unrelated works into his Frieze of Life series, Knausgård uses Reading Munch to invite contemporary artists, filmmakers, and art historians from Germany, Britain, Sweden, and Norway who were strongly influenced by Munch—including Anselm Kiefer, Stephen Gill, Anna Bjerger, Vanessa Baird, Stian Grøgaard, and Joachim Trier. Through conversations that may seem unrelated at first, they fearlessly probe the subject from every angle. Knausgård also candidly reveals his own feelings of inferiority and shame in conversations with these experts, adding to the pleasure of his once again uncompromising writing.
Korean title: 뭉크를 읽는다
Korean author: 칼 오베 크나우스고르
Korean publisher: 비트윈
ISBN-13: 9791197503238
Reviews
I realized while reading this book that although I love Munch’s paintings, I had never really thought deeply about Munch himself. It led me from contemplation and reflection toward a broader understanding of what art is. I’m grateful that a book like this was translated into Korean and introduced in Korea. Highly recommended!
