Let’s go inside

by

Inside – Art
Innenansichten

Entering the Astrup Fearnley Museum/Oslo Dina gasps of relieve: “I feel so much invigorated by art and culture! I can’t live on nature only. Norfolk is really beautiful, but after more than 5000 landscape photographs visiting such a museum gives me the energy I need. And especially photographing here which brings me closer to art immediately.“
Takashi Murakami is just right as he communicates the love for the unnatural. Klausbernd is muttering in front of the pictures: “art brings clarity.” Asking him what he means he answers lost in thought: “clarity of perception.“

Beim Betreten des Astrup Fearnley Museums in Oslo atmet Dina auf: “Kunst und Kultur beleben mich! Von Natur allein kann ich nicht leben. Norfolk ist wunderschön, aber nach über 5000 Aufnahmen von Landschaften finde ich einen Museumsbesuch wie eine Energiespritze und speziell das Fotografieren hier, das mich der Kunst und mir gleich näher bringt.”
Da ist Murakami gerade richtig. Er vermittelt die Liebe zum Unnatürlichen. Klausbernd murmelt vor den Bildern stehend: “Kunst klärt“. Als wir ihn fragend anschauen, setzt er versonnen hinzu: “den Blick“.

dsc_5456_sign_kl

Luckily we are getting double art: Renzo Piano’s building and Takashi Murakami’s art work.
The Italian master architect designed quite some museums as Fondation Beyeler near Bale and the Centre Paul Klee in Bern f.e. That’s not astonishing, because his aim is “to enliven light“. Dina is thrilled by the airy freedom of the space and how the light is filling the room. Being an artist working with light, as she sees herself as photographer, this is paradise for her.

Wir haben es mit Kunst im Doppelpack zu tun, sowohl Renzo Pianos Gebäude als auch Takashi Murakamis Bilder.
Der italienische Meisterarchitekt hat viele Museen gestaltet wie z.B. die Fondation Beyeler bei Basel und das Zentrum Paul Klee in Berlin. Das ist naheliegend, denn ihm geht es bei seinen Gebäuden darum, “das Licht zu beleben“. Dina ist sogleich von der luftigen Freiheit der Raumgestaltung und Lichtführung dieses Museums hin und weg. Als Lichtkünstlerin, wie sie sich als Fotografin versteht, ist dies ein Paradies für sie.

murakami_tor_stenersenTakashi Murakami at the opening at The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
Foto: Tor Stenersen, Aftenposten.

Siri quotes from one of Murakami’s interviews: “I am artist passionate for beauty. Beauty provides reality for imagination.” Selma likes that this longhaired artist loves children as an audience and they love his art too. Of course, because his art is colourful and full of bustling figures.

Siri zitiert aus einem Interview Murakamis: “Ich bin Künstler aus Leidenschaft für die Schönheit. Schönheit schenkt der Einbildungskraft Realität.” Selma liebt es, dass der langhaarige Künstler Kinder als Publikum liebt und diese ihn. Klar doch, weil seine Werke so bunt und flirrend voller wuselnder Figuren erscheinen.

dsc_5510_siri_hannesiebers

Murakami, “The Warhol of Japan”, combines Manga-style, which Selma loves, with contemporary design and traditional Japanese art. It’s a kind of mixture of art and popular culture. It reminds us of fine graffitis.

Murakami, “The Warhol of Japan”, verbindet den Manga-Stil, Comics die Selma toll findet, mit zeitgenössischem Design, aber auch mit traditioneller japanischer Kunst. Da verwischen sich die Grenzen zwischen Kunst und Volkskultur. Manches erinnert uns an Graffiti vom Feinsten.

t_murakami01_collage_Hanne Siebers

Murakami is not only “Pope of the Pop-Culture” but also a serious avantgarde artist, reads our Master from his art-guide. Murakami wants to change the social landscape and turns against the infantile capitalism of dull consumerism. Well, we had not discovered this in his paintings and sculptures without this explanation. A lot of modern art doesn’t get accessible without an explanation. At the first glance this intense monstrosity of this art made us speechless, we felt overwhelmed. We were quite amazed reading that Murakami asserts that his Ego is surface only. He sees himself basically as a Buddhist without an ego. We can hardly believe it.

Murakami ist nicht nur “Papst der Pop-Kultur“, sondern ebenfalls ein Erneuerer der Kunst, liest Masterchen aus einem Kunstführer vor. Er hat den Anspruch, “die soziale Landschaft zu verändern“. Murakami wendet sich gegen den infantilen Kapitalismus stumpfsinnigen Konsums. Das hätten wir ohne Erklärung nicht in seinen Bildern und Objekten entdeckt. Wie bei der meisten modernen Kunst, erschließt sie uns erst durch eine Erklärung. Auf dem ersten Blick waren wir sprachlos und zugleich überwältigt von ihrer intensiven Monstrosität. So hat es uns verblüfft, dass der Küstler behauptet, “mein Ego ist reine Oberfläche. Eine Projektion. Ich habe kein Ego. Im Kern denke ich buddhistisch“. Wer hätte das gedacht?

my_lonesome_cowboy_murakami“My Lonesome Cowboy” and “Hiropon”

The right sculpture ironies the typical sex symbol of the media with thin waist, enormous breasts and big eyes. Our Master called it educational exaggeration for rising awareness.
“My Lonesome Cowboy” produced lots of discussions and disconcertment. One doesn’t masturbate in public! Does this explains the extraordinary price of 13,5 million dollar it was sold for?

Going home Siri and Selma couldn’t stop talking. Isn’t that what art is for?
Dear readers don’t feel ignorant not having heard of Murakami before although he is one of the leading contemporary artist right now. We haven’t heard of him before neither.
Finally a little video – have fun inside! 🙂

Bei der rechten Skulptur wird das Sex Symbol der Medien mit dünner Taille bei erschlagenden Brüsten und mit großen Augen ironisiert. Masterchen sprach von pädagogischer Übertreibung zur Förderung der Erkenntnis.
“My Lonesome Cowboy“, bot und bietet viel Gesprächstoff und Aufregung. Man onaniert doch nicht öffentlich! Ob das ihren ungeheuerlichen Preis von 13,5 Millionen Dollar bei einer Versteigerung rechtfertigte?

Auf dem Heimweg redeten Siri und Selma die ganze Zeit angeregt. Das soll Kunst bewirken. Die nicht einfache Zugänglichkeit regt natürlich ein Nachdenken über sie an.
Übrigens, liebe Leser, bekommt jetzt kein schlechtes Gewissen, obwohl Murakami zu einen der führenden Künstler der Welt gehört, hatten wir zuvor auch noch nie von ihm gehört.
Zum Abschluss noch ein kleines Video mit Innenansichten:

With warm greetings from cold Oslo
Mit lieben Grüßen von
Dina and Klausbernd, still thinking, and Siri and Selma, still talking

.

P.S.

Please visit Gabriel Burkhardt and his artistic blog Almostunsavagable and see how Siri’s photo above inspired him to find the magic again. His take on my photo is unique!

 

© Text and illustrations, Hanne Siebers and Klausbernd Vollmar, Cley next the Sea, 2017

Follow Dina- Hanne Siebers on Instagram!

261 thoughts

  2. This is an extraordinary exhibition – the colours are fantastic, bursting with life and energy and I can see how this show would have everyone talking! I too had to smile at the artist saying he only has an Ego on the surface…hmmm…not sure if I feel that is true! A wonderful post, absolutely fascinating and exhilarating. I really need to return to Oslo, so much to see,

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Annika
      we fully agree with you. Our feeling was as well that Murakami has quite an Ego – and not only on the surface.
      Thank you so much for liking our post and have a happy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Dear friends,
    I can fully understand that you were thrilled to spend some time in this surroundings. It’s got a wonderful atmosphere. Murakami’s first solo exhibtion in Scandinavia has got quite some attention in Sweden as well. Thanks for the insights and the video.
    Busy hugs from Stockholm,
    Annalena

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    • Our dear friend,
      yes, we were thrilled by this exhibition. It was the art and it was so well presented.
      Have a great weekend and don’t work too much
      Your friends from Norfolk
      The Fb Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks for bringing us these wonderful photos illustrating the exhibition. I have liked Manga-style graphic art for some time now, and his work is impressive indeed. I had to smile at the quote though; “turns against the infantile capitalism of dull consumerism”. He can afford to do that of course, when he can sell one piece for $13.5 million!
    Love from Beetley, Pete and Ollie. X

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    • Dear Pete,
      you are absolutely right. If one is so successful as he is, it’s funny to criticise capitalistic consumerism 😉
      But nevertheless the exhibition is great! We are sure you would love to see it.
      With lots of love from Cley and wishing you a happy weekend
      The Fab Four

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Thank you for presenting this magnificent building! Takashi Murakami looks very interesting himself, I find his artwork amusing and slightly provoking. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  7. Ihr lieben vier von Cley, Norway und Bonn,
    da habt ihr aber einen tollen Post losgelassen! Das Museum in Oslo kannte ich zwar schon, aber die öffentlichen Gebäude von Renzo Piano begeistern mich immer wieder. Der Mann ist eigentlich ein Licht- und Materialkünsrler.
    Der Takashi Murakami ist für mich eine echte Neuentdeckung. Mir gefallen seine farbenprächtigen Wimmelbilder sehr, ich muss allerdings sagen, solch pseudo-philosophischen Erklärungen brauch ich nicht. Ich lass die Bilder einfach als Kunstwerke auf mich wirken. Na ja, bin halt eher ein schlichtes Gemüt. Wobei es natürlich viele Kunstwerke gibt, die sich einem durch die Aussagen oder bspw. die Biografie der Erschaffer und -innen erst wirklich erschließen.

    So, ich glaube, jetzt hör ich mal auf mit meiner kleinen Plauderei. Aber ihr habt mit eurem Britrag einen Fluss von Assoziationen ausgelöst und dafür danke ich euch sehr.

    Nun seid herzlich gegrüßt vom alten, immer noch am Leben hängenden 🎪🐎 Kai

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Guten Tag, lieber Kai,
      ja, vor seinen Wimmelbildern kann man ewige Zeiten verbringen und ständig Neues entdecken. Wir denken auch, dass Kunst sich selbst erklären sollte. Auf der anderen Seite interessiert uns auch immer, welch Geistes Kind der Künstler ist und was er oder sie sich dabei dachte.
      Mit lieben Grüßen vom Meer und vielen Dank. Hab ein fröhliches Wochenende
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  8. WOW! Thank you for this amazing post. Wonderful photographs, and art… Fascinated me, light, colours,… You almost took me there too. Thank you, dear friends, you are all so nice. Love, nia

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    • Good afternoon, dear Nia,
      we were thrilled by ths art, the building and the presentation of this art. Therefore we love to present it to our friends and followers.
      Thank you very much for your kind word we much appreciate 🙂
      We wish you a happy weekend
      The Fb Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Fab Four of Cley,
    Thank you for bringing more of Murikami’s artistic visions to us. I could stare at some of his work for hours and still not see everything in it! But I must confess, my eyes still drift back to the gold sculpture. There’s something very intriguing about it that I just can’t put my finger on.
    Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!
    GP Cox

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  11. A wonderful exhibition beautifully photographed Hanne. I love the portrait of Murakami standing like a Samurai in front of his work. I was very aware of Manga comics when I lived in Japan of course and was often quite shocked at the pornographic nature of some of the comics the Salary Men would read on the Metro and the trains that took them out of Tokyo and into the suburbs at the end of very long days at the office.
    Love to you both from Chris and myself. Have a wonderful weekend all of you. Looking forward to catching up properly very soon. 🙂 x

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    • Good Adrian,
      great reading from you again. We hope that you and Chris are well.
      We like the uninhibited sexual expressions of some Mangas, well, it makes us aware what we have to surpress living in a modern society. The artistic expression it’s exaggerated, of course, especially the expression of violence. But doesn’t it make the onlooker ask himself how she or he deals with violence? Oh dear, that’s quite a topic we could talk about for ages. We will disappear into our sauna now enjoying the violence of the heat and the erotic feeling of being naked …
      Wishing you a happy and relaxed weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

    • We have enjoyed the freedom of being naked on the beaches of Fuerteventura for the last month and how wonderful that is. We are so repressed in our society. The beaches we visited everyday, it was perfectly normal and perfectly acceptable to be naked. To lie in the sun, to swim in the sea. Wonderful.. Perhaps the violent sexual nature of some of the manga in Japan is a safe outlet. It’s certainly a very safe society in which women can walk alone at night and not experience intimidation or threat. They might experience the occasional unwelcome contact on a crowded train. I did observe this but certainly that was as far as it went.
      We very much look forward to discussing this and many other topics when we see you at the end of May.
      Enjoy that Sauna. Perhaps next time we will accept you invitation even though it might be difficult for me given the heat and my MS. There’s always the garden in which to cool off!! 😀
      Catch up soon.. 🙂 xx

      Liked by 3 people

    • Dear Adrian,
      ufortunately we don’t know much about the Japanese culture. You are the specialist there.
      As we are brought up in Scandinavia for us it’s normal like natural to be naked. And even in Germany you see people naked sunbathing in parks. We always have to smile when people make this fuss about being naked. You suppose that they think they look horrible. – Anyway so much about being naked.
      All the best and thanks for answering
      The Fab Four of Cley
      looking forward seeing you soon

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Ein ganz wundervoller Post! Habt vielen lieben Dank, dass Ihr Vier uns nicht nur das Äußere dieses absolut umwerfenden Gebäudes gezeigt habt, sondern uns auch einen Blick in das Innere und die tolle Ausstellung von Murakami habt werfen lassen! Museen und Galerien gehören zu meinen großen Leidenschaften und ich kann Stunden in ihnen verbringen 😉 Alles Liebe aus Berlin! Sarah 🙂

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    Reply

    • Guten Abend, liebe Sarah,
      die Bilder von Murakami wären wirklich ideal für dich, du kannst vor ihnen Stunden verbringen und ständig Neues entdecken. Wir haben das Gefühl, dass die Beschäftigung mit Kunst uns befreit. Ohne Kunst wäre das Leben doch ziemlich öde!
      Mit ganz lieben Grüßen vom Meer und den besten Wünschen für ein entspanntes Wochenende
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • Guten Abend liebe Fab Four of Cley!
      Das glaube ich euch auf´s Wort!
      Und ich stimme aus tiefstem Herzen eurer Überzeugung zu, dass Kunst uns befreit und öffnet. Ohne sie wäre das Leben vermutlich nur pures Überleben… Nahrung für die Seele ist doch genauso wichtig wie für den Körper.
      Habt einen wunderschönen Abend und ein herrliches Wochenende am Meer! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    • Liebe Sarah,
      wir sind gerade mächtig damit zugange, zu kochen und zu backen, da wir heute Abend Besuch bekommen. Und das passt auch perfekt, denn unsere Gäste sind Galeristen und Kunstmanager. Sie interessieren sich für Dina’s Kunst.
      Wir können uns ein Leben ohne Kunst gar nicht vorstellen.
      Auch dir wünschen wir ein grandioses Wochenende
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

    • Vielen Dank!
      Das Essen ist mega lecker geworden, die Getränke süffig, aber die Gäste fad. Macht nichts, wir sind guter Laune und werden bei dem schönen Wetter nun im Garten verschwinden.
      Mit lieben Grüßen und mach’s gut
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

    • Oje! Ich hatte so gehofft, dass die Gäste alles andere als fad gewesen waren… C´est la vie, n´est-pas? 😉 Hätte so gerne mitgeschlemmert 🙂
      Habt eine wunderschöne Woche – hier ist mittlerweile ein wenig der Frühling ausgebrochen und die ersten Krokusse strecken ihre hübschen Köpfchen durchs Gras 😀
      Liebe Grüße, Sarah 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    • Yes, we can understand this. We couldn’t afford his art and we don’t have enough space for his art – but besides these limitations we would love to have one of his paintings hanging in our drawing room.
      Thanks for commenting.
      Have an easy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the AF museum and I also enjoyed the exhibtion “The World is made of Stories” by Murakami. The huge selection of his merchandising, which Murakami, more than any other artist, has developed, produced and propelled into the art world, took me totally by surprise. 🙂
    Hope you a stress free journey back home.
    God helg!
    Klem, Hjerter

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Hjerter,
      we are happy at home and coming back was as easy as great.
      Murakami is as well as business man as an artist – to become a known artist you have to be a business man, we suppose.
      Thanks and all the best our dear friend xxx
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Like

    • Our dear friend
      the world is made of stories we constantly tell ourselves and this is Murakami’s story, as we see it, a funny story, light and fashionable
      KLEM ###
      Fairy dust from
      Siri 🙂 and 🙂 Selma

      Like

    • Dear Robert
      well, the art is more important than the Ego of the artist. We suppose that’s Murakami’s idea – but when we saw him, hmmmm, we weren’t quite so sure any longer. We would rather say – a bit like Andy Warhol – the artist became art …
      A hapy weekend, take care, cheers
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

  22. Ich finde die Architektur von Renzo Piano grossartig, einmalig schön sind die Raumaufteilungen und Lichteinfälle. Die Malereien von Murakami sind sehr eindrücklich, die Skulpturen hinterlassen bei mir ein Fragezeichen bezüglich ihrer Aussagekraft. Kann es an der kulturellen Sicht liegen?
    Danke euch für diesen belebenden und faszinierenden Beitrag. Ernst

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Lieber Ernst,
      wir wissen nicht, ob die kulturellen Unterschiede hier so wichtig sind. Uns erschien Murakami eigentlich ziemlich westlich, wie auch die Kunst der Mangas ja zumindest Westliches und Östliches verbindet. Wir glauben, dass Murakamis Kunst ewas ist, an dem man sich erfreut, über das man lacht, ohne dass der wertende, Aussagen produzierende Intellekt das Auge des Betrachters beeinflusst. So haben wir ihn verstanden, wobei das “Verstehen” vielleicht schon ein Paradox angesichts dieser Kunst ist.
      Ganz liebe Grüße von Norfolk in die Schweiz
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

  23. What a wonderful building. Love the way the arching roof defines the shape of the gallery, another masterpiece by Renzo Piano.
    I find Murakami a great artist and slightly split; very zenlike in Japan and totally commercial in the western world. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Dear Jacqui
      well, the Old Masters have been avantgarde in their time mostly.
      Murakami will perhaps be seen as an Old Master in 30, 50 or more years, we suppose.
      And we think you would love seeing his exhibition.
      Thanks and have an easy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  25. Another loveIy post! I think this museum is outstanding.
    It’s a great place AND space to show art
    and I especially like that the building does not overpower the art on display.
    Murakami looks like great fun. 🙂
    Wishing you a great weekend,
    Sarah x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Good morning, dear Sarah,
      Murakami’s art is great fun, indeed! 🙂 Especially Siri and Selma loved his art and didn’t want to leave this museum.
      The rooms are ideal for presenting art.
      Wishing you a great weekend as well
      The Fab Four of Cley xxx

      Like

    • Dear Sarah
      art and architecture are in perfect harmony – better than we ever saw it before.
      With lots of fairy dust
      Siri 🙂 and 🙂 Selma, the clever Bookfayries

      Like

    • Hallo, liebe Ruth,
      ja, der Mensch lebt nicht von Natur allein, Kunst benötigt er auch – zumindest wir. Diese Murakami-Ausstellung hat uns wirklich gut getan.
      Hab Dank fürs Kommentieren.
      Auch dir ein wunderschönes Wochenende
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • A lot of modern art, like Murakami’s, is probably not for understanding but for enjoying it. It’s maybe an exercise in direct seeing without the influence of the mind. At least we saw it like this.
      Thank you and wishing you a happy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Ich kenne nur Haruki Murakami, den Schrifsteller, aber ich danke euch, dass ihr diesen Künstler, der die leuchtenden Farben zu lieben scheint, vorgestellt habt. Mir scheint, dass die Kritik an der heutigen grenzenlosen Genussgier und Grössenwahn im generellen doch recht zunimmt. Es ist immer wieder schön auch im Beyeler Museum einen Besuch zu machen. Cari saluti an euch Vier. Martina

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Guten Morgen, liebe Martina,
      hab Dank für deinen Kommentar 🙂
      Murakami ist da sehr komplex, man könnte auch widersprüchlich sagen, auf der einen Seite ist das so etwas wie L’art pour l’art, auf der anderen Seite arbeitete er für große Firmen und weiß seine Kunst bestens zu vermarkten.
      Mit lieben Grüßen vom frühlingshaften Meer
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • Nee, liebe Martina,
      Siri und Selma sind ja noch lernende Feen, die noch nicht alles wissen. Zum Glück, sonst wären sie wahrscheinlich unaushaltbar.
      Liebe Grüße vom frühlingshaften Norfolk
      Klausbernd

      Like

  29. Thank you for the exhibition! I had never heard of Murakami, but my children had – they are still into Manga and everything around it – and Japan. They went to Japan some years ago and will go this Autumn as well.
    He sounds a bit contradictive…but looks interesting and fun. The building though – is magnificent.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Leya,
      Murakami is very contradictive: on one hand criticising capatalism and consumerism, on the other hand working for Louis Vuitton and other big companies. He uses every exhibition to sell a lot of by products. We call him a Buddhist businessman. But this contractions make his art and him interesting.
      With lots of love from the sea.
      Have a happy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

    • When we lived in Stockholm we regularly liked to visit this museum for modern art. We could stay there for hours. It’s the Moderna Museet on the island Skeppsholmen.
      Enjoy this week and thank you
      Takk
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  30. Dejlige billeder, Dina ❤ Umiddelbart minder hans farver mig om dem Bjørn Wiinblad brugte i sin kunst. Jeg kan ikke indsætte et link, men prøv at søg på Bjørn Wiinblad i Google under billeder. Udover det hører ligheden op 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Hanna,
      thank you so much for your kind commentary 🙂
      It’s funny that you mention Bjørn Wiinblad, we know him as a designer for Rosenthal for a long time. His design and Murakami’s have something in common and more so both artists know lot about art-marketing.
      Wishing you an easy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  31. I always enjoy your thoughts on art and creative expression. There is so much that I don’t understand but then, as Vincent said many many years ago, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” Many hugs from sunny, soon to be rainy, Vancouver, to my dear dear friends, the Fab Four of Cley

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Good morning, our dear friend,
      we would say “there is nothing more truly artistic than people”. And we see Murakami quite similar to Andy Warhol, both had this idea that the artist is the work of art. That’s maybe narcissistic but if we look at Murakami we immediately can see it. He is as much styled as his works of art.
      We have spring here, warm and sunny 🙂
      We wish you lots of sun, lots of love and sending bigs HUGs xxx
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • Oh, I do love your thought about “people.” This morning I did a mini research project into “Wand” or Wall by Gerard Richter. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the creative force. And I was viewing the artwork via video. I cannot imagine what it would be like to view it in reality. This was my first introduction to Gerard Richter. I will carry this image in my mind. I may not understand art but my inner being needs to feel the embrace of the creative spirit. Hugs and more hugs coming across the pond.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Hi, dear Clanmother,
      my sister, who is very much engaged in modern art, knows Gerhard Richter and likes him very much because, although that famous, he stayed normal. She called him even humble. Now there is a big Richter-exhibition in the Museum Ludwig in Cologne. There are so many people coming that they can hardly manage these masses.
      We love Gerhard Richter very much, too.
      Have a happy week, big HUGs
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • The energy of Gerard Richter’s art can be felt through the WIFI miles and miles away. I confess, I felt goosebumps when I read your comments. Happy Monday! You made my day extra extra special.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Great to hear that his art is radiating even digitally.
      We will tell our Master’s sister. She loves to hear this.
      With lots and lots of fairy dust
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Like

    • Good morning, dear Sally,
      we 100% agree! Well, without art there is nor real life.
      Thank you very much for your commentary 🙂
      Wishing you a great weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  33. It’s not artwork that I would want on my walls but it’s great to see this infusion of colour and exuberance in such a wonderful setting. Thanks for sharing it, and have a wonderful weekend 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Jo,
      we wouldn’t mind having one of his pictures but they are too big, too expensive and they wouldn’t fit in our rooms – no space, as all the walls are occupied by books.
      Wishing you a wondeful weekend as well
      The Fab Four of Cley
      🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you very much to make us aware of the Indian painter Raqib Shaw, we never heard about him before. You are right his paintings are similar Murakami’s. He looks like a cool guy.
      With lots of love and wishing you a great weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  43. Liebe Hanne, lieber Klausbernd und ihr lieben Feen,
    es wird euch nicht wundern, dass ich die Arbeiten von Takashi Murakami schon kenne. 🙂 So schön ich es auch fände aber das Zentrum Paul Klee liegt in Bern und nicht in Berlin. 🙂
    Die Fotos, die ihr aus dem Museum mitgebacht habt, gefallen mir sehr gut.
    Ich werde gleich ein wenig an meinem Dante-Zyklus weiter arbeiten, das Wetter in Berlin ist grau in grau und wir haben kaum Lust an die frische Luft zu gehen.
    Grüße auch von Micha, sendet euch Susanne

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Liebe Susanne, lieber Micha,
      wir haben hier seit Tagen sonniges Frühlingswetter und so waren wir sehr aktiv im Garten.
      Wir wünschen dir gutes Gelingen mit deinem Dante-Zyklus.
      Ja, dass du T. Murakami kennen würdest, haben wir uns gedacht. Uns als interessierte Laien war er zuvor kein Begriff.
      Habt ein wunderbares Wochenende.
      Liebe Grüße von uns allen
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

    • Oh dear, liebe Susanne,
      klar hast du Recht, das Paul Klee Zentrum ist in Bern und nicht in Berlin. Das ist das blöde Korrekturprogramm, ich hab’s gerade ausprobiert, wenn du “Bern” eingibst, dann wird das in “Berlin” automatisch geändert. WP kann augenscheinlich die Schweizer nicht leiden 😉
      Sorry für den Fehler und Danke fürs aufmerksame Lesen
      Klausbernd

      Liked by 2 people

    • Gerne, Klausbernd. Ich bin ja ein Schnellschreiber und öfter sind Rechtschreibfehler in meinem Blog. Ein Glück schaut Micha nach Veröffentlichung nochmal rüber und sagt mir meine Schnitzer.
      Liebe Grüße aus dem sonnigen Berlin von Susanne

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Your posts are such a treat, and this was no different. It was worth the wait to see the inside of this amazing building. I’ve been staring at the photo of the girl reaching out to connect with the vivid painting for several minutes. I can’t stop smiling. This is joy, and beauty, and for someone like me who probably COULD survive on Nature alone, a wonderfully unexpected treat. Thank you so very much for welcoming us into this moment!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Dear Gabe
      Thank you 😊 very much for your kind comment.
      We were sure that you would like these pieces of art. They are fun and powerful.
      Have a happy 😊 weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley
      💃👭🚶

      Liked by 2 people

  48. I have to confess that Manga style is not my taste but this is an excellent post and conveys the atmosphere of the exhibition with fine photography. The significant features for me are the sense of space and light, the scale of the artworks and the abundance of colour. The match between the architecture and the art is perfect.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Dear Louis,
      we agree, it’s this match between Piano’s architecture and Murakami’s works of art that produces this light, happy atmosphere. Piano’s building is ideal for this kind of art.
      We wish you an easy week
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Fascinating work, I love manga and anime, his colors are so…light where so much Manga is dark, hence it’s appeal to me; it’s exploration of the dark side. That line. I just couldn’t do that, wait that long. I’d have to break out the old wheelchair.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  50. Liebste Dina! Klasse, dass du das kleine Mädchen beim “Tanz des Vulkans” erwischt hast, tschong….
    Scheinbar stellt mir da ein großer Künstler meine “Gottes/Göttinnen-Bilder” zur Schau….aha, Triebverhalten, Denkmuster, Dogma, irgendwie geht alles um die Fruchtbarkeit?
    Kurz stolpere ich über das Wort Modern..was bedeutet es?
    Man kann erahnen, dass man in Gegenwart dieser Kunst Einiges in seinem Inneren hervorholen darf, ob es sich allerdings klärt.. man kann ja sicher stundenlang verweilen…
    Danke euch für diesen Einblick!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Guten Morgen, liebe Pia,
      wir glauben, dass es hier in dieser Kunst oft in erster Linie eher um Sex als um Fruchtbarkeit geht.
      Besonders die Bilder laden zum Verweilen und Entdecken ein.
      Dann mache dir eine feine Woche.
      Alles Gute und liebe Grüße
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

    • Huch, liebe Pia,
      was für eine schwere Frage für kleine Buchfeen: “Was bedeutet Modern?”
      Modern setzt sich von der Vergangenheit ab und vertritt den Zeitgeist. Jede Kunstepoche empfand sich als modern im Vergleich zu der vorausgegangenen. Was modern ist, das ist zeitgenössisch.
      Allerdings gibt’s dann noch zu aller Verwirrung die Post-Moderne, die die Dogmatik des Modernen zu relativieren versucht gemäß der Devise “everything goes” …
      Also, das haben wir so etwa in unserer Feenschule gelernt.
      Mit gaaanz viel feinstem Feehauch
      Siri 🙂 and 🙂 Selma, die fröhlichen Buchfeen

      Like

    • Vielen Dank ihr lieben fleißigen Buchfeen! Klassischer Tanz versus Modern Dance…wisst ihr, es gab/gibt großen Streit zwischen Balletteusen und Modern Dancern…ich liebe beides…
      Naja, es scheint mir einfach sinnvoll zu sein, zu tun, was man liebt und zu was man Lust hat, es sei denn, man schadet damit anderen, wobei man sich ja damit sowie selbst schadet, was ja auch nicht schlimm ist, denn aus Schaden wird man klug….
      Oje…
      Seit 2 Jahren bereiten wir den nächsten großen Auftritt im Theater vor, 3 Stunden wird getanzt, davon bleibt eigentlich nichts, ein paar Fotos, ein Video, eigentlich nichts…Tanz ist so flüchtig.
      Malen müsste man können!
      Vielen Dank für eure Erklärungen und ganz liebe Grüße an den Master und Dina

      Like

  51. Wonderful tour and introduction to Murakami’s controversial work. I totally agree that it’s highly unlikely that the artist has no ego. It takes so much ego to promote one’s work and have the confidence in one’s own talents and vision. That’s far from a lack of ego!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • We absolutely agree, dear Patti,
      especially artist like Murakami who have a successful marketing concept become their own brand mark and in a way a piece of art themselves.
      Wishing you a happy weekend
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  52. Now that I have gotten my head around to get which Murakami you are talking about, I agree that Takashi Murakami is a spellbinding artist. He raises important and contemporary questions. And of course chock the audience – or some of them at least. As you so well, say, isn’t that what art is all about? Great post and great images.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Dear Otto
      thank you so much for your very kind commentary.
      Art without at least a touch of provocation is boring, isn’t it!
      Murakami’s art work radiates a certain easyness, a kind of freedom – although it is produced in a way that makes the Prussions look cool 😉
      All the best from sunny Cley
      The Fab Four

      Liked by 3 people

    • Dear Otto,
      we fairies read in one of those esoteric books from our Master’s bookshelf, we suppose it was in Gurdjeff’s “Beelzebub’s Tales”, that a shock is necessary for a change for the better. This is represented by the two shockpoints in the Enneagram.
      We send you our best fairy dust
      Siri 🙂 and 🙂 Selma, the happy Bookfayries

      Liked by 1 person

  55. I am more intrigued by the building and your amazing photos of it than I am of the art exhibition. I admit that I am somewhat fascinated by the contrast between the happy bright colours and his motifs, but to me it is a bit too controversial I guess. I am not a “modern art” person so that is probably why. But the museum building in itself is really beautiful!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Good morning, dear Marie
      we saw Piano’s building and Murakami’s art as a kind of piece of art in itself. But we have to admit we love modern art. Therefore we expect art to be provocative which triggers the reflections of the viewer or at least communication.
      Thank you very much for commenting 🙂
      Wishing you a great day
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

    • Provocative isn’t automatically bad for me. It is just that his art to me isn’t “tasteful” if you know what I mean? But then I do appreciate that some art is to be experienced, rather than to speak to your “taste” and put up on your wall for example. So in that sense I can actually appreciate his work – as an art experience rather than art “appreciation”. If you know what I mean! 🙂 Anyway, thank you for your reply and I have to say that I absolutely love your blog!

      Like

  58. OMG! Very nice! I like this post! I just followed you and would love to be blogger friends! I just posted my London trip ! I blog every day too! Paris, Italy, and Germany would be up soon too! Enjoy! Hope to hear from you soon! XOXO –

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi,
      oh dear, no – we don’t blog every day. To keep up the quality of our posts we blog fortnightly. We need time to think about a post and blogging is not our only activity. Nevertheless we admire those bloggers who are so diligent blogging daily.
      Thanks for commenting and enjoy today
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  59. I know I’ve already commented earlier, but I continue to return to gaze at the photo of the little girl, her hands upheld in joyous communion with a vivid and bold canvas. I have recently begun to digitally paint sketches based on images that capture my attention from blogs, and, with permission, I share the results on my Wednesday post (along with a backlink of course so that the original can be appreciated).

    Would you mind if I tried to sketch using this photo as inspiration?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hab Dank für deinen Kommentar. Naja, Haruki Murakami zu lesen und sich diese Kunstwerke zu beschauen, hat doch beides seinen Reiz – das finden wir zumindest.
      Mit lieben Grüßen vom Meer, hab ein feines Wochenende
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  64. The museum is fabulous. It seemed so from the outside, and the light and space inside is even better. His style of art doesn’t particularly appeal to me, but I do think it profits from having such a space in which to be displayed. A grand space for a flamboyant vision is a good match, don’t you think?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Good morning,
      we think that the building and Murakami’s art go together ideally. It’s a perfect match. Murakami’s art needs a lot of space and light what it gets in the Astrup Fearnley Museum.
      Thank you for commenting 🙂
      Have a happy Sunday
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Sophie
      Yeah, it’s really GREAT. Siri and Selma were thrilled by all this colours and funny figures, they didn’t want to leave this exhibition.
      Thanks a lot for commeting.
      With lots of love
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Like

  66. Thank you for this interesting dive into Murakami’s art. I am now much better educated as I had not heard of him before. But I was grateful for the explanation of what he wants to express as it was not immediately clear to me 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Good morning, dear Tiny,
      as with a lot of modern art it helps to know what the artists is telling about his art. We are quite lost without those explanations.
      Thanks for liking our post 🙂
      We wish you a happy week
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  67. Happily, you freely express your reactions and questions, and aren’t afraid to seem like a philistine. I would have been more enchanted with the building than the art, for sure. It’s sounding like Murakami knows all the right phrases to promote his art, with the price tags to affirm that. Sometimes I think that because Japanese society puts such a strong emphasis on conforming to the group, the individuals who go against that tendency wind up very, very far from the group! I bet you can think of a few names! 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Good morning, dear Bluebrightly,
      well, if one sees Murakami in the context of contemporary western art he is not so exeptional. The most exeptional is his ability for marketing. We think that’s great, because an artist has to be 51% businessman to be 49% a great artist. Somebody said this (we have forgotten who is was) and we agree.
      We love modern art and we like Murakami’s art, as it triggers communication. Unfortunately we can’t affort one of his art works.
      Have a happy week and thanks for commenting
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  68. It’s been a fastastic travel into art this post! ❤
    I must say I'm lucky I can understand both languages but… Deutsch ist wirklich sehr toll und "more expressive" 🙂
    Thank you very much, indeed!
    Ciao from Italy,
    Vicky

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Dear Vicky,
      you might have found out that in German and English we wrote a slightly different text. Well, German reflects a different way of thinking and perceiving. It’s more dialectic as reflected in its syntactic structure. English is more linear and positivistic in a philosophical sense. One could say English is more technical and German more philosophical – as seen in the history of philosophy.
      Thanks for commenting and we wish you a great week
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

    • Dear Klausbernd, you pointed out the difference between the way of thinking, feeling and expressing as well.
      You know both languages very well, don’t you?
      A warm hug to all of you!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Dear Vicky
      we live in both languages and I studied philosophy, literature and linguistics. We are interested in all forms of languages and their grammar and what they tend to express easily and what is not so much in their horizon of seeing and expressing.
      Actually are living in three or even four languages: Norwegian, English, German and our beloved Bookfayries speak Fairish to each other 😉
      Have a happy afternoon
      Klausbernd and The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 3 people

    • Liebe Vicky,
      da Deutsch “more expressiv” ist, was wir auch finden, unterhalten wir uns zu Hause in Deutsch mit ein paar Worten und Wendungen in Englisch und Norwegisch durchsetzt. Nach ein paar Pint spricht unser Masterchen auch Fairish.
      Viel feinsten Feenhauch für dich von
      Siri 🙂 und 🙂 Selma

      Like

    • Hallihallo, dear Vicky
      indeed, we are helping Dina and our dear Master, my sister Selma with the pictures and layout and me with writing and researching.
      Well, Fairish is the language that we Bookfayries use to speak. Only dear little fairies can understand it. F.e.hallapicha kallamu, trickelpickel blotrabu – even Alan Turing couldn’t decrypt this! You see, very, very secret!
      With lots of finest fairy dust from
      Siri :-), the clever Bookfayrie

      Liked by 2 people

    • Dear Cindy.
      it’s really worth to have a look at – and by the way, when you are in Oslo you cannot miss it, it’s not far from the town hall on an island.
      Thanks for commenting 🙂
      Wishing you a great week
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 2 people

  71. Exquisite and delightful artwork. I enjoyed the video. Museums house hidden secrets to those who do not appreciate or are not aware of how educational and amazing a museum can be. Wonderful entry. Thank you for taking me on this journey with you. I cannot travel so I appreciate posts like this. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi, dear Nancy
      GREAT that you like our post. My sister and I like to visit museums very much with Dina and our Master :-). It’s always fun and helps us to understand the world around us much better.
      With lots of fairy dust
      Siri :-), the clever Bookfayrie

      Like

    • Good afternoon, dear Nancy
      we love visiting museums. Nowadays they are quite often examples of great avantgarde architecture and the exhibited art helps us to change our view or at least to reflect it. Afterwards Siri and Selma have so much to talk about and in the process of talking we understand even more.
      Thanks and have an easy day
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Liked by 1 person

  74. Ihr Lieben, ich bin spät dran, aber ihr wisst ja warum, umso schöner nun mit euch durch diese Ausstellung zu wandern und einen kleinen Eindruck zu bekommen. ich stimme dir, liebe Dina zu, auch ich kann nicht nur von Natur leben, manchmal brauche ich die Städte, die Kunst und luftige Gebäude, die Foundation Beyeler besuche ich gerne immer wieder …
    ich sende euch sonnige und herzliche Frühlingsgrüsse
    Ulli

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Guten Morgen, liebe Ulli,
      die Sonne scheint wunderschön, es ist windstill und warm 🙂
      Ja, wir benötigen unsere Museumsbesuche und auch ab und an mal eine feine Reise in Großstädte. Zuletzt waren wir außer in Oslo in Edinburgh, Dublin, Hamburg, Köln und Berlin. Da machen wir dann “Kultur kompakt”. Außer in Dublin sind wir nach so zwei Wochen auch wieder froh, nach Hause zu fahren.
      Wir hoffen, dass du munter und fröhlich bist und senden liebe Grüße vom Meer auf dem Berg
      The Fab Four of Cley
      🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  76. Pingback: Norfolk Still Life | The World according to Dina

  79. What an adventure you took me on with this post 🙂 I’ve never heard of Murakami’s work, so thanks for the introduction – although the best piece of art is the precious photo of the little child holding her hands up as if in awe with the colors and creativity she sees in front of her. Fantastic shot Dina…perfect. Also, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the sculptures, beautiful as well but with a very different vibe. Awesome post 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Good evening, dear Dalo,
      we like this picture of the little child holding her hands up best as well. It took Dina quite a while and some shots to get her like this. She liked to pose very much and had lots of fun.
      Although Murakami seems to be very famous we hadn’t heard of him before either. But now we are happy having seen his exhibition.
      Wishing you a great evening and thanks for your commentary
      The Fab Four of Cley

      Like

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    • Dear Len,
      this depends on how much money one has. We would do it if we would have that money because we love modern art.
      Thanks for commenting.
      Wishing you a wonderful week
      The Fab Four of Cley
      🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

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