A controversial video that’s part of an equally controversial art exhibit at Oslo Munch Museum does not violate Norwegian law, police attorneys have ruled. The Oslo Police District announced it would not pursue a complaint filed against the museum two weeks ago.
The exhibit, which pairs the art of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch with contemporary expatriate Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard, has attracted other complaints over its blatantly sexual overtones. Descendants of Munch himself have publicly objected to the exhibit, claiming that Melgaard’s art all but degrades Munch’s.
Museum officials have staunchly defended the exhibit, while many art critics in Norway have pointed out that Munch offended many and stirred controversy in his time as well. Others claim the controversy simply stirs up publicity and sales for the museum and Melgaard himself, who’s stirred controversy before.
The police complaint specifically involved a video that’s part of the exhibit, called All Gym Queens Deserve to Die. It was accused of violating Norwegian laws against sexualizing children, but police investigators disagreed and dropped the case on Thursday. The law, police claimed, allows for artistic license.
newsinenglish.no staff
