Arne Paasche Aasen

Who was Arne Paasche Aasen?

Arne Paasche Aasen was a Norwegian politician, journalist and poet, who worked for the labour movement.

He was born in Steinkjer as a son of teacher and politician Augusta Aasen, née Paasche and typographer Edolf Aasen. The family soon moved to Kristiania. In 1927 he married Valborg "Vaps" Moe. His sister was married to Paul Gauguin for some years.

He joined the Norwegian Labour Party at an early age. His mother was a central figure here before her early death. Aasen was also a member of the Left Communist Youth League, and was present at the congress of 24 April 1927 when the Left Communist Youth League was merged with the Socialist Youth League to found the Workers' Youth League.

His poetic debut came in 1921 with the collection Sigd og hammer, where he hailed the revolution and Vladimir Lenin. Later highlights among his poetry collections were Høstens have, Plog og penn, Verden vårt hjem, Nakne livet, Blomster og brød and Bak hvert vindu. Many of his poems became songs, when given melodies by Jolly Kramer-Johansen. Well-known working class anthems include "Frihetens forpost", "Seiren følger våre faner", "Sleggene synger", and "Vi bygger landet".