May is approaching fast and spring is definitely here - even if it is chilly at night and small heaps of snow remains in the shadows here in Umeå. I want to celebrate spring with the help of artist Elsa Beskow (1874-1953), a famous illustrator but also an author of children's books. She always did accurate depictions of the scenery in her images, as she wanted children to learn more about wild life and respect nature. Here are two illustrations from different stories, but they both depict the lovely blue Hepatica Nobilis (or in Swedish, Blåsippa).

No, I have not been to the Guggenheim in Bilbao, but to Moderna Museet in Stockholm where they have a retrospective exhibition with the work of Louise Bourgeois. Outside the museum is a copy of her famous Maman: the gigantic spider that rises lika a gothic cathedral offering shelter - if you're not a victim of serious arachnophobia. The exhibition poetically called "I have been to hell and back" - missing Bourgeois end line: " And let me tell you, it was wonderful" - is a must if you are visiting/living in Stockholm. It ends May 17. A large portion of the works have never been exhibited before.

What struck me with Bourgeois' art was that it seems so full of hope. Even in the most traumatic themes there is a sense of tenderness, mending and humour. A lust for creativity, curiosity, and learning from various experiences. I left it with a lot more knowledge of the artist, but also much more calm, sane and happy.

Moderna Museet have published an eighteen minute video on YouTube on both Bourgeois and the exhibition (with English subtitles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=JFFWJyuda3g

Today is World Art Day according to The International Association of Art because April 15 is also Leonardo da Vinci's birthday (more info on IAA can be found here: http://www.iaa-europe.eu). So how can one celebrate World Art Day? Besides having lots of cake, you should of course look at art! 

Here's a little guide:

Go to a museum, a gallery, an exhibition and look for art, or go to any public art work that catches your eye. It can be old, it can be the latest scream, it can be by the most famous artist ever or an amateur piece by your aunt. The good thing about art is that the more you see, the more you learn. And not just about art, you also learn an awful lot about yourself - so do not worry too much about quality.

While looking at a sculpture, a painting, a performance or a video - basically at the art work of your choice - you can ask yourself one or many of the following questions:

1) What am I looking at? How could I describe it to someone else?

2) What is this piece of art telling me? Does it evoke emotions or memories? Is it illustrating something? Does it make me curious or furious, and if so why?

3) How is it made? What technique or method is used? 

4) How does the colours, movements, actions, symbols, or its size and placement influence me? How am I supposed to look at it - am I seeing it from above, from below, close up or from a distance? How is the art work framed?

5) What might be the context? Is is referring to political issues, historical events, or other current subjects or questions? Is there  written information close to the art work - what does it say and does it influence my understanding of the art work? Does the place/space/room where it is affect my reading?

6) Who is the artist? What is his/her background and what else have the artist done besides this piece? 

If you do this at your first, second, third visit you will probably notice how you can reach a deeper understanding of art. And please use art historians, guides at museums and galleries (like my friend Ivar showing Heart of Trees by Jaume Plensa in Umedalens Skulpturpark in the above photo), the internet, or take courses in art history to learn even more.

Happy World Art Day! 

Easter is approaching and it is time to dwell on various renditions of the hymn Stabat Mater. The theme of the Virgin in mourning became popular in the 13th century, a time of raging wars and plagues that devastated many peoples lives. However, no matter how difficult your own life was, it was nothing compared to the sacrifices of the Virgin Mary and her Son. And if you believe in the Christian message you should also be grateful - because of their great offering, humanity will be saved  on Judgement Day.

The above Pietà by the anonymous workshop of Passionsmästaren is from Gerum parish church on Gotland. The sad Virgin holds her dead son's body in a loving caress. She sits on his sarcophagus and the two other Marys (also described in the Bible) supports her in mourning. It is an image that is quiet and calm in composition, while intense and emotional in content. 

This year my favorite Stabat Mater are by Pergolesi and Karl Jenkins. Which ones are yours?