Clean lines, natural materials and twisted forms are found in the works of the five Danish artists who have interpreted their feelings and reverence for the Scottish wilderness with beauty and emotion in this surprising exhibition. Their skilful use of materials to create contemporary jewellery, ceramic based sculptures, willow baskets and elegant boxes have elevated functionality to fine art. The exhibition room at the Danish Cultural Institute, with its high ceilings, old elegance and even a piano provides an ample light filled space for each artist to showcase their individuality and talents.
This show should definitely be seen before it travels, so go and enjoy the beauty of these artworks that provide a fresh and contemporary interpretation of Scotland.
Lotte Glob is a ceramicist using rocks and sediments gathered during hikes in the highlands to work into the clay, creating legged creatures and glass fired pool sculptures that evoke a primeval volcanic tactility. Nickolai Globe’s work is similarly connected with the rawness of the landscape; his fired clays contain imprints of footprints or small stones perhaps gathered during a highland walk. The open and twisted forms entice you to touch.
Although a complete contrast in terms of scale, the work of jeweller of Lilian Busch is equally exciting, and that sense of ‘Danish-ness’ is evoked by the simplicity of the forms. She uses precious stones and metals placed in juxtaposition with found materials to create kinetic bracelets and dramatic necklaces.
The sculptural boxes by Mette Fruergarrd-Jenson were clearly inspired by rounded forms of circles and lines, combining different types of wood, metals, transparent resins and bone, placing them together seamlessly to create pattern and colour. These are functional works as well as objects of beauty and many appear to have been already been purchased by collectors given the number of red dots.
The fifth artist, Lisa Bech, displays a range of her woven baskets and wall mounted willow sculptures which are clearly more traditional and plain than the other works in the exhibition but still pay homage to the raw materials and their historic heritage in a sympathetic way.
These five artists have been selected to continue the exhibition as a tour in 2015. This show should definitely be seen before it travels, so go and enjoy the beauty of these artworks that provide a fresh and contemporary interpretation of Scotland.
