The Tangen Collection

The collection’smain focus on Nordic modernism makes it exceptional within a global context and it includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, textile works, ceramics, handicrafts, photography and conceptual art. Unique to the collection is that it goes in depth into the oeuvre of great, well-known artists such as Reidar Aulie, Asger Jorn, Lars-Gunnar Nordström and Anna-Eva Bergman. In addition, important work has been done to collect works from artists who have been passed over by history. A part of the implementation of the strategy behind the collection has been to select a body of works based on Nicolai Tangen’s personal preferences and interests as well as what he personally wants to explore in depth.

The wide range of art in the collection provides almost limitless possibilities for creating a rich program of changing exhibitions related to different themes and artistic works.

The man behind the collection is Nicolai Tangen, a Kristiansand-born patron of the arts, investment manager and present CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. He began collecting art seriously in the 1990s before completing an MA in Art History on Rolf Nesch at the Courtauld Institute of Art. At first, he focused primarily on constructive, abstract art. Gradually, the collection was expanded through the inclusion of surrealist and expressionist works. The Tangen Collection is under continuousdevelopment, and it continues to grow with the aim of collecting the best Nordic works from the period 1930-1980.

The Tangen Collection is owned by the AKO Art Foundation, which has given Kunstsilo the perpetual right of disposal for the collection. This means that the museum shall look after and administer the works of art as well as make them accessible to the public.