The story of Edvard Munch's Freia frieze is a captivating tale that delves into the complex relationship between art, industry, and social responsibility. This article explores the artwork's creation, its intended purpose, and the broader implications it holds, offering a unique perspective on Munch's artistic vision and the historical context of the time.
The Dance of Fruit Pickers
At first glance, the Freia frieze is a mesmerizing spectacle. The 12 canvases depict fruit pickers with graceful, balletic movements, water flowing from watering cans, and synchronized couples on a beach. The brushstrokes, dominated by blues and greens, create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. However, as we delve deeper, the initial fascination transforms into a more critical examination of Munch's intentions and the historical context in which the artwork was created.
A Public Art Commission
The frieze was commissioned in 1922 as public art to decorate the walls of the women's canteen at the Freia chocolate factory. This was a significant moment in Norwegian history, as it marked a pivotal time for workers' rights and gender equality. The exhibition, titled "Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory," uses the frieze to tell a broader story of workers' rights and the fight for gender equality. It also sheds light on the violent, exploitative, and racist history of Freia's cacao sourcing and marketing.
The Chocolate Girls
The artwork was created during a time when Norwegian workers were fighting for their rights. Around this time, they won the right to an eight-hour day and summer holidays. However, many of the girls and young women who worked in the chocolate factory likely did not have access to the idyllic scenes depicted in the frieze. They probably did not have access to summer cottages, swimming, or art, which raises questions about the relevance of the artwork to their lives.
Munch's Intentions
Munch appears to have been more concerned with educating the workers than catering to their needs. He wrote, "The little chocolate girls, sat there eating, understanding the pictures better and better." This suggests that he saw the frieze as a means of teaching the workers about art and culture, rather than creating a work of art that reflected their daily lives.
The Cost of Art
The cost of the frieze was also a point of contention. Johan Throne Holst, the chocolate mogul who commissioned the artwork, paid Munch 80,000 Norwegian kroner (the equivalent of about 2.5 million Norwegian kroner or about £192,000 today). Meanwhile, the women who worked in the factory survived on minuscule incomes. This disparity did not go unnoticed, and it raised questions about the fairness of investing large sums of money in art while workers were struggling to make ends meet.
A Progressive Employer
Despite the criticisms, Freia wanted to be seen as a progressive employer. They granted employees one free bath a week, a monthly manicure, access to modern flushing toilets, uniforms, a factory doctor, and low-cost porridge and cacao milk. However, these benefits did not address the fundamental issues of low wages and exploitative working conditions.
Munch's Public Art Vision
Munch was a strong advocate for public art and had plans to create a public work for the new Oslo city hall. However, he was never commissioned, and by the time the city hall was completed, he had died. His focus on the worker could have been a reflection of his awareness of the changing times and the Norwegian capital. However, curator Ana María Bresciani believes that his primary motivation was fame and the network of friends in high places that public commissions could provide.
A Complex Legacy
The Freia frieze is a complex work of art that reflects the tensions between art, industry, and social responsibility. While it may have been intended as a means of educating the workers, it also raises questions about the fairness of investing in art while workers struggle to make ends meet. The artwork's legacy is a reminder of the importance of considering the broader implications of artistic creation and the role of art in society.
In my opinion, the Freia frieze is a fascinating example of how art can be used to reflect and shape societal values. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of artistic creation in the context of industry and social responsibility. From my perspective, it raises important questions about the role of art in society and the responsibilities of artists to their communities.
