"A Way of Life" Exhibition at Moderna

Yesterday evening I attended the opening the Moderna's (modern art museum) new fall exhibition "A Way of Life (Swedish Photography from Christer Strömholm until Today)". The exhibition is based on the museum's own collection and features over 300 photographs by 29 different Swedish photographers. The photographs have a real documentary feel... looking at day to day life. The photographers have not only captured life here in Sweden, but have also documented their travels abroad.

The works represent a time span from the 1940's to today. As the secondary title explains... the exhibit starts with the work of Christer Strömholm, considered one of Scandinavia's leading photographers (and one of my favorites). Fotografiska (the photography museum) recently had a retrospective of his work, which I really enjoyed. So it is nice to see his work again along with some of his contemporaries. In fact, the exhibition's title is taken from a quote where Strömholm described his work in the medium of photography.

One of my favorite photographs by Christer Strömholm.

Strömholm inspired generations of Swedish photographers, including his immediate contemporaries like Walter Hirsch and Agneta Ekman (both a part of the exhibit). Modern Swedish photography is well represented with works by Anna Clarén, Martin Bogren and more. Besides the photography itself, I really enjoyed that the exhibit has such a wide range of photographers instead of the work of just one artist.

This exhibition will be running until February 15th, 2015. If you are in town this week, you still have time to see their great Nils Dardel exhibition (last day is Sept 14th!).  The Moderna Muséet is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. To get there from the Rival Hotel, it is easiest by ferry from nearby Slussen. As we move towards "low" season, make sure you inform them at the ferry that you wish to make a stop at Skeppsholmen... otherwise they may not stop there on their way to Djurgården. One good tip: On Fridays, between 6pm and 8pm, admission is free for the Collection on floor 4 and the Exhibition on floor 2. More visitor information.