Issue 8, February 25, 2004:

Kofi Annan Greets
Norwegian Artists

More than 300 people showed up for the opening night of the exhibition "Norwegian artists in New York" at the Trygve Lie Gallery in New York. Among the honored guests were U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his wife Nane.

By ESPEN TJERSLAND

"When Nane and I walked in here, we hadn’t expected such a packed house," Kofi Annan said.

Norway’s Consul General Liv Mørch Finborud was also surprised by the massive turnout at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church on Wednesday, February 12.
"I didn’t know that there was so much interest for Norwegian art, but I have a suspicion that it was because of..." she said with a smile, nodding in the direction of the U.N Secretary-General.

First Rate Art
Kofi Annan said he was glad that the church had named the gallery in honor of Trygve Lie, the first Secretary-General of the U.N.

"I am also delighted by this chance to see the work of Norwegian artists in New York and to see that Elfi is still at it, organizing exhibitions," Annan stated in his speech to great applause from the audience.

The exhibition is curated by Elfi von Kantzow Alvin, who serves as the Chair of the Art Committee at the American Scandinavian Society. She has curated more than 60 art exhibitions throughout her career, and she was impressed by the quality of the Norwegian artists.

"This is first rate art, and the Norwegians taking part in this exhibit are the best of what Norway can show in New York," Elfi said.

Kofi Annan spent the evening talking to the eight Norwegian artists participating in the exhibition, and he was clearly thrilled by their work.

"Both my wife and I love art," Annan said during his guided tour through the gallery.

The painting that received most attention, was Anki King’s "Angel for Grandma" – a painting she made in response to her grandma’s battle with cancer.

Nane Annan, who is a painter herself, said, "The energy here is wonderful. It’s great to see so many artists here, and it touches me very deeply to see the painted angel for her [Anki King’s] grandmother."

"Have you ever tried anything in the art business, Mr. Annan?"

"No, I know my limitations. I have done some little sketches. But, well…" Annan said, before his wife interrupted him.
"He has done some wonderful sketches. He has such an eye," Nane said proudly of her husband.

Hytte-til-Hytte
The U.N. Secretary-General is also known for having a special relationship with Norway.

"We love the country. It’s very beautiful, so we like to go there to hike, and sometimes walk from hytte-til-hytte," he said in limping Norwegian.

"Are you planning to return to Norway any time soon?"
"Hopefully, hopefully," Annan said with a trail of Norwegian journalists on his back.

Annan also used the opportunity to honor Trygve Lie and Norway’s contribution to the U.N. In his speech, he said:
"Tonight is also a reminder of Norway’s long history of contribution to the international community. Norway’s support for the work and ideals of the U.N. has been unwavering ever since Trygve Lie took office, and is still one of the most constructive and generous member states of the organization. In fact, I would describe Norway as a model member state."

The Norwegian painter Vebjørn Sand, who has recently finished a highly successful exhibition in Norway, was glad to be part of the group exhibition at the Trygve Lie Gallery.

Good Experience
"This is my first exhibition in New York, so this is a good experience for me," he said.

Vebjørn had chosen a painting from Antarctic, where he has been on two occasions, depicting the arctic nature and wildlife. He had also included a portrait of the Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad, who died in 2001.

"He was an old stubborn man," Vebjørn recalls with a laugh. "But he was a great man, a true adventurer."

Stayed Up All Night
All the various artists seemed to enjoy the encounter with the top U.N official, but some where nearly exhausted at the end of the opening night.

"I am so tired. I stayed up most of the night, working like crazy in my studio. The painting isn’t dry yet," Sol Kjøk said.
The exhibition, which includes works by the Norwegian artists Thomas Ramberg, Kjeld Tidemand-Johannessen, Andre von Morisse, Haavard Homstvedt, Anki King, Sol Kjøk, Vebjørn Sand and May Rolstad Trien, will be on display at the Trygve Lie Gallery through March 14.

Previous Stories:

• Issue 7, February 18, 2004
Bølgen & Moi Open
Restaurant in Hudson

• Issue 6, February 11, 2004
Norwegian Diva With
Broadway Dreams

• Issue 5, February 4, 2004
Norway's New Princess Named

• Issue 4, January 28, 2004
Helga's Historic Walk
Across America

• Issue 3, January 21, 2004
Arne Næss Jr. Dies
Climbing in South Africa

• Issue 2, January 14, 2004
Norway's Kurt Ready
To Conquer the World

• Issue 1, January 7, 2004
Dragsten Honors Sons of
Norway's Founding Fathers

• Main Stories 2003