Exhibition 'Dala painting' in Dalarnas Museum
Dala painting refers to a folk decorative painting that first appeared on furniture but later moved onto the walls of wealthy farmers’ homes.
Dala painting is perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Swedish folk art and reached its peak around the turn of the 19th century.
In this exhibition, the background is explained, from where the painters drew their inspiration, and how they created their works. But above all, a rich selection of original paintings from the museum’s extensive collection of Dala paintings is displayed, along with embellished furniture.
A Dala painter’s workshop with all its paraphernalia and a completely painted and furnished room interior are available for admiration and contemplation.
In a smaller room, we can then explore the contemporary use of Dala painting/kurbits in more commercial contexts.
The similarities with today’s popular culture are more than one might initially think. Fashion magazines often served as sources of inspiration for the painters, and silhouettes and attire are sometimes taken directly from magazine pages. Using stencils was common to avoid reinventing the wheel each time. Men are men, and women are women unless they are put through the age mill – for then they become young maidens again.
