The Royal Academy of Arts have created an online tour of this exhibition that explores both artists approach to examining the human condition.
Bringing together the works of two artists who were born one hundred years apart, this deeply thoughtful and somewhat sombre exhibition features plenty of pieces of work that contrast nicely with each other to show the similarities between the pair.
Both Emin and Munch through their work are focused on capturing the variety of emotions that humans go through life, told in an autobiographical way that makes the viewer really pay attention to what they are seeing. Through this selection of work on display, the viewer gets a real sense of just how deeply immersed in their work both are in creating the right effect to convey the different elements of human emotion.
Curated with the help of Tracey Emin, there is a real sense that perhaps the exhibition gravitates more towards Emin’s work which seems to be more prominently displayed in contrast to Munch’s. The contrast between the more impulsive nature of work of Emin’s work and the more detailed and clearly thought out works of Munch is clear to see throughout.
This being said, although perhaps the way in which the pair approach the subject may be different, there is a similarity in the way in which both artists really deeply express themselves in their work. This is really seen through Emin’s Thoughts to a lover … I am The Last of my Kind and Munch’s Death of Marat – both really capture pain and suffering in distinctive ways.
Throughout the way in which the exhibition displays the work, there is a real quietness and thoughtfulness in a way that it has been displayed that makes the viewer pay attention. This means that each piece of work selected is allowed to stand out in its own right. In particular, the pieces that have more of a drama about them such as Emin’s The wreckage of moment … Because you left that has a real sense of theatricality when you look at it or even the vast selection of Munch’s female nudes – that are beautifully delicate.
Even in this online virtual tour of the exhibition, it is clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the creation of this insightful display. Tracey Emin/Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul is a deeply thoughtful experience and shows off both artists work to great effect.
By Emma Clarendon
Tracey Emin/Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul is available to watch on Youtube here. It is set to be on display at the Royal Academy of Arts until the 28th February.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐