Edvard Munch: 'No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love.'

No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love.

The quote by Edvard Munch, "No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love," encapsulates a profound shift in the artist's approach to his work and reflects a broader transformation in the art world during that time. In a straightforward interpretation, Munch rejects the conventional depictions of static scenes in favor of capturing the essence of human existence through the portrayal of real, vibrant individuals with all their complexities.Munch's decision to move away from stagnant interiors and towards painting "living people" signifies a desire to explore the depths of human experience and emotion. By illustrating individuals who "breathe and feel and suffer and love," he challenges the traditional notion of art as mere representation and sets out to evoke a visceral response in the viewer. This quote, therefore, highlights his intention to convey the essence of human existence, the rawness of emotions, and the universal experiences of joy, pain, and love.To further explore the depth of Munch's insight, let us delve into a philosophical concept associated with his quote - existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing the individual's freedom, responsibility, and the inherent meaninglessness of life. Munch's decision to paint living individuals aligns with the existentialist idea of embracing the fullness of human experience, including suffering and love.Existentialism posits that individuals must confront the inherent meaninglessness of existence and create their own purpose and values. Munch's departure from conventional subject matter can be seen as a conscious effort to capture the complexity and paradox of human existence, showcasing the individual's freedom to experience and interpret emotions. By painting living people who breathe and feel, Munch invites viewers to confront their own existential questions and explore the depths of their being.In contrast to the static interiors with men reading or women knitting, Munch's portrayal of living people creates an emotional and psychological intensity. These paintings become windows into the human soul, urging viewers to reflect on their own emotions, sufferings, and passions. Through his brushstrokes, Munch evokes a sense of connection, reminding us that we are all part of the tapestry of human experience, bound together by our shared capacity for breathing, feeling, suffering, and loving.Munch's artistic shift not only challenges the traditional notion of art but also provides a profound insight into our own existence. It reminds us that we are not mere observers of our lives but active participants, responsible for creating our own experiences and finding meaning within them. By painting living people, Munch compels us to confront the fragility and beauty of our humanity, inviting a deep reflection on the complexities of what it means to be alive.In conclusion, Edvard Munch's quote serves as a powerful testament to his artistic vision and a broader philosophical exploration of the human experience. By rejecting static interiors and opting to paint living people who breathe, feel, suffer, and love, Munch aimed to capture the essence of human existence and evoke emotional responses in his audience. Aligning with existentialist principles, his work invites us to confront our own existential questions and embrace the full spectrum of our emotions. Through Munch's art, we find an invitation to dive into the depths of our own being, recognize our shared humanity, and find meaning, even in the face of life's inherent challenges.