Køppe Contemporary celebrates the beauty of Bornholm with group design show

Bornholm, an island in the Baltic sea, that is also called the ‘Sunshine Land’ for its idyllic landscapes, rocky terrain and geological hotspots. Surrounded by Denmark, Poland, Sweden and Germany, the island is renowned for its picturesque landscapes a mixed bag of cultural inferences that it draws from its surrounding territories. Historically, the island has been contested by multiple nations, eventually being acquired by Denmark in the late 1800s. The island’s long history, merging cultural values and geology has been a constant source of inspiration for its resident artists alongside many artists and designers from around the world. The rocks, the sea and the dramatic sceneries have perfectly played their part in inspiring an ongoing exhibition at the Danish art gallery Køppe Contemporary Objects titled Voices of Bornholm. The exhibition offers an expansive display of artworks created by 11 different artists and designers who channel their thoughts and visions through the beauty of the Danish island. The creative art and design exhibition will be on view from November 5, 2022 till December 17, 2022 at the Bornholm-based gallery.

Amongst the prolific names within the Nordic art scene, Malene Kyed, Hans Munck Andersen, Maj-Britt Zelmer, Gerd Hiort Petersen, Morten Klitgaard, Michael Geertsen, Kumiko Asti, Christina Schou Christensen, Anne Mette Hjortshøj, Ann-Charlotte Ohlsson and Anett Biliczki participate in the exhibition by platforming their poetic installations inspired by the island of Bornholm in the form of ceramic earthenware, wood works and artful vases. The island is also abundant in valuable materials, such as kaolin, which is a key ingredient in the production of porcelain, as well as granite, clay, and natural stone clusters. As part of the exhibition, many objects are seen to have distinctly direct connections to the site, including Christina Schou Christensen’s ceramics from the ‘Shaping Fluids’ collection.The Danish artist uses molten glaze creatively to create surreal sculptures as truly expressive territories that hint at entrancing stalactite caves. Alongside, the Copenhagen-based Hungarian artist Anett Biliczki’s kiln-worked glass sculptures appear as the aerial view of a naturally washed-up seabed.

Each piece holds a familiar touch of nature’s elements and while some of the exhibits appear to be inspired by landscapes, others emulate the Nordic essence of Bornholm through the production techniques that were historically used in fabricating ceramics Backfired earthenware by ceramicist Michael Geersten captivates observers for their dull-toned finishes, which are a perfect fit for their nomadic forms; Ann-Charlotte Ohlsson's wood-fired prong sculptures that reflect intriguing anamorphic forms; and Gerd Hiort Petersen's visionary porcelains, conceived as a close connection to the island of Bornholm, offer an artistic take on appreciating the island's enchantment.

The exhibition pushes the boundaries of design even further by incorporating global design techniques observed in the exhibits by Kumiko Kimbara Asti, who ornates beautiful stoneware using the Japanese Nerikomi crafting technique and even Maj-Britt Zelmer’s contrasting complements in the form of glass and iron pots. Every element contributing to the affective display paves a way into the heart of the Danish island. Every piece resonates with an artistic interpretation of nature, the use of local materials and the study of cultural history that shines a spotlight on the beauty of Bornholm.

The exhibition Voices of Bornholm is being held at the Køppe Contemporary Objects, Bornholm, Denmark from November 5, 2022 till December 17, 2022.