Art Box Portal //

From 11 October 2024 to 26 January 2025, The National Museum in Oslo will present a major exhibition celebrating the work of Else Hagen, a key figure in Norway’s post-war art scene. Known for her innovative approach to monumental art in public spaces, Hagen broke new ground as one of the first women in Norway to work on large-scale projects for public buildings.

„Hagen’s artistic range covered painting, graphic art, and site-specific works. Her famous mosaic Samfunn (Community) in the Norwegian Parliament’s stairwell remains a striking example of her ability to blend abstract forms with socially relevant themes. Her work often challenges traditional views of family life and gender roles, exploring personal relationships and women’s experiences in a modern, abstract style.“

The exhibition will feature around 70 works, offering a full look at Hagen’s artistic journey. It will highlight key pieces from the 1940s and 50s, her graphic work, and later projects. Her work continues to inspire, showcasing the intersection of formal abstraction and deeply human themes.

This exhibition is part of a national collaboration between Stavanger Art Museum, Trondheim Art Museum, Kunstsilo, and The National Museum. After its opening in Stavanger in January 2024, it will travel to Trondheim, Oslo, and finally to Kunstsilo in Kristiansand.

Visit The National Museum to explore Else Hagen’s influential work and experience how she shaped the course of modern Norwegian art.