The title “Close to Greatness” refers to Unni Askeland’s own relationship to art history, especially to the mythologies surrounding the “great artist.” A central core of the show are portraits of some of the most famous artists of the last century, such as Picasso, Kahlo, Munch, and Warhol – all known as artists who not only shaped art history but also our perception of the artists themselves through their often tragic mythologies that sometimes are as well known as their actual work. Through Askeland’s artistic career their work as well as their mythologies have inspired and influenced Unni and have almost become a personal one, bringing her close to the times of their lives and to the greatness of the tradition of art.