STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.- The Nationalmuseum presents The Body. Art and Science, through May 22, 2005. The human body concerns everyone and is a fascinating object of study for artists as well as scientists. Art and science - From the renaissance into the early 19th century, artists and physicians worked closely together, mapping out the internal body as well as its exterior. During the 20th century the relation was not as self-evident, but today art and science are again getting closer with a mutual will to broaden the fields of knowledge, often with the help of new technology. The exhibition examines this changing tradition, but also the historical and cultural construction of the ideal and the deviant body, and the male and female body.

From Leonardo da Vincei to Mona Hatoum - The visitors hereby get a unique opportunity for a more detailed study of works relating to the human body, with exhibition objects ranging from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous anatomical studies to Mona Hatoum’s interesting installation Corps étrangers from 1994.

The first exhibition of its kind - This exhibition - the first of its kind in Sweden - includes historical and contemporary studies of the body: anatomical drawings, drawings from life, illustrations from medical books, wax casts, sculptures and even installations based on the body. The Hagströmer Library at the Karolinska Institute is collaborating with us on this project. Simultaneously, our Mini Gallery will be showing an exhibition entitled Navel-gazing and Handpower while six graduate students from Steneby Högskola will display sculptures on the theme of the body in the glazed entrance lobby of Nationalmuseum.