An exhibition of works by Nikolai Astrup & a live fire garden at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Opening on 5th February is a great new show at the Dulwich Picture Gallery of paintings by the Norwegian artist Nikolai Astrup.  You might not have heard of Astrup but in Norway, he is as revered as fellow innovative printmaker and contemporary artist, Edvard Munch.  Astrup was particularly inspired by mythology and nature – his paintings are a riot of rich, vibrant colours (see an introductory video here) – and at the end of the show is a collection of his most beautiful works, of midsummer bonfires.  Astrup was forbidden from attending these bonfires as a child by his strict Pastor father and inspired by these paintings, five sculpture specialists called Walk the Plank will create a live fire garden on 5th and 6th February.  There will be flaming lotus flowers, fire breathing hollies and giant bulrushes and food will be available from the Gallery café and other vendors, including Herne Hill’s famed “La Tartiflette” street food.  Plus there are a series of excellent lectures including one on Scandinavian Art and Design by Magnus Englund, cofounder of the British retailer Skandium on 3rd February.  All, we think, are just the ticket if you’re feeling the winter blues.