Into the World of Munch
Last week, we launched the Munch x Rejina Pyo capsule collection as part of the opening of Edvard Munch: Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Rejina was invited by the Munch Foundation to embark on an immersive research trip to Oslo’s Munch Museet, home to the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works, which became the foundation for this collection.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Oslo’s moody fjords, our creative director, Rejina Pyo, was given privileged access to the museum’s archives, exploring the breadth and evolution of Munch’s work—portraits, landscapes, and abstractions of unexpected scale and intimacy.
“I was particularly drawn to a work which felt almost unfinished—cut in a way that made it seem fragile and intimate. There was something deeply personal about seeing a work in that state, witnessing his process rather than just the finished result.”
- Rejina
The technical aspects of Munch’s craft provided particular inspiration. His pioneering jigsaw woodcut printing technique—cutting shapes into a single panel to be printed simultaneously instead of in layers—was translated into scarf prints and jewelry, exploring layered compositions and cut-out forms that echo his experimental approach.
Rejina also visited Ekely, Munch’s 45-acre estate on the outskirts of Oslo, where he lived from the age of 53 until his death. Walking through the Swiss-style home, outdoor studios, and locations where the artist painted offered intimate insights into Munch’s personal world. It revealed his profound connection to nature, his unwavering commitment to his art, and the deeply personal relationship he had with his subjects.
“Munch was a pioneer, he constantly tested new techniques, pushed boundaries, and refused to conform. That spirit resonates with how we approach design at Rejina Pyo. This collection isn’t just about visually referencing Munch’s work—it’s about capturing his boldness, his emotion, and his way of seeing the world. I hope these pieces allow people to experience his legacy in a new, tactile way.”
- Rejina Pyo
