Henrik Ibsen and the Nation's Reputation

Norway uses artists like Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Grieg to market the country internationally. However, we have no control over how a national cultural icon is perceived in other countries.

11.10.2007 - Kristian T. Marthinsen

Henrik Ibsen: Dark and gloomy?

Looking into this matter is Ingeborg A. Kleppe, associate professor, who is responsible for the Norwegian image symposium which will occur at NHH on the 11th of October. The symposium is financed by the Institute of Free Speech and Norges Handelshøyskole.

Biographies of the famous artists show that they often have a "love-hate" relationship with Norway. They see Norway as diminutive and Norwegians as petty and arrogant. Yet, at the same time they love Norway. This complexity is also expressed in their art.

Dark and gloomy
The symposium highlights various experiences and perspectives on the use of culture in building a national brand. Among the speakers are known names such as Erik Rudeng, director of the Institute of Free Speech, and professor and Ibsen expert, Tore Rem, from the University of Oslo.

Tore Rem wants to present research he has done on Henrik Ibsen's position in the United Kingdom, among other things. According to Rem's research, the Brits look at Ibsen's characters as dark and gloomy - the opposite of the image the government wished to establish of Norwegians.

"As a country, we cannot choose how we are regarded by other countries. We have to be aware of how others perceive us, not just how we perceive ourselves," said Kleppe.


Translated by Nancy Cavanaugh