The Couple
– Art is manipulation without the intervention.
As an adult, French-born Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010) moved to New York City, where she worked for the rest of her life. She had previously studied mathematics before shed decided upon pursuing a career as an artist. Initially, she worked with painting and printmaking, but during the 1940's, she shifted her attention to sculpture.
Louise Bourgeois' art oscillates between the figurative and abstract. Her works vary in form, materials and scale. Even so, they revolve around the same subjects: jealousy, anger, fear and loneliness. A significant part of her oeuvre is autobiographical and reflects upon her family relations.
In 1982 a retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art led to her breakthrough in the public eye.
The Couple in the Ekeberg Park deals with an intimate relationship between two figures. A couple embraces tightly, as they hover between the trees, staying together – for better or for worse.
The Couple, 2003.
© The Easton Foundation / VAGA, New York / BONO, Oslo 2017