Art from the early 20th century

At the turn of the century and during the first decades of the 1900s, art underwent a period of significant change. Traditional subjects—such as landscapes, portraits, and depictions of everyday life—persisted, while new techniques, subject choices, and artistic expressions challenged established ideals. Drawing inspiration from contemporary European movements and a society in rapid transition, a freer and more personal approach to art began to emerge.

In Formstad’s exhibition "Art from the Early 20th Century," we encounter a diverse range of subjects, with the Swedish landscape and rural daily life taking center stage. The collection features working people, scenes of traditional country life, and fishermen, alongside cityscapes, historical settings, and architectural details. Portraits of women, men, and children offer an intimate glimpse into how people were portrayed at the time, while depictions of animals, floral still lifes, and arrangements of fruit add further variety. Together, these works reflect an era in which everyday themes, the presence of nature, and a focus on the human experience converge through a rich array of artistic expressions and techniques.