In Leiv Eirikson Discovering America, how is the Norwegian exhibitions discussed?
Following its donation, the painting was displayed at various times in both the National Gallery (where it often was prominently hung above the stairwell) and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.In January 2019, the National Gallery was closed to allow its collection to be moved to the National Museum's new building, which opened in June 2022. Upon its opening, a decision had been made to not display the painting in the new museum, but rather to place it in storage. Following media reports in February 2023, the decision to not exhibit the painting, and the justification given by museum staff, caused controversy in Norway.
Stina Högkvist, the department director at the National Museum explained the situation to the Aftenposten newspaper, saying; "The picture is a romanticization of Norwegians who went to America. It is a colonialist image" and further added "We are now showing more female artists, more Sámi artists and more art by people whom were not born with white skin. We shall continue with this. We must have a socially relevant, fresh look at the history of art."Criticism was swift from politicians, art historians, and the general public. Eivor Evenrud, from Oslo City Council's Culture and Education Committee, called the decision "completely absurd." In response to the criticism, Stina Högkvist apologized and clarified, stating that her remark was sloppy and poorly thought out, and that she didn't actually believe that the painting was colonialist. Following the controversy, the National Museum temporarily displayed the painting on the new museum's main floor for four weeks.
Sámi Norwegian Maritime Museum Aftenposten Eivor Evenrud National Gallery Stina Högkvist