Strindberg, Sweden’s man of many talents showcasing in Berat

TIRANA, Nov. 6 – A hundred years after his death, August Strindberg, Sweden’s man of many talents, continues to fascinate. Some reproductions of his paintings and photographs are being showcased at a solo exhibition at the UNESCO town of Berat, south-western Albania by the Swedish embassy in Tirana.
“I’m a devilish fellow who can do many tricks,” noted Strindberg, a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and painter.
The exhibition at the Edward Lear gallery in Berat will remain open until November 20.
Open since 1994, the gallery named after British author Edward Lear, is one of the eldest and most important galleries in Albania. Its collection reveals the contemporary and traditional works of arts by Albanian and foreign artists.
Berat, also known as the city of 1001 windows, is acclaimed for its cultural heritage, especially for the famous icons created by renowned 16 century painter Onufri.
Man of many talents
“People are amazed by Strindberg’s versatility. He tackled most genres. Aside from being an innovator in drama and prose, he was a poet, a painter, a photographer, even a sinologist. Strindberg’s stormy private life also explains his enduring appeal, especially since it is so integral to his work. It is difficult to separate Strindberg’s life from his work. He believed a writer’s work reflected the life the writer led. His literary development largely followed the twists and turns of his private life, including the crises arising from his marriage break-ups and political controversies.”