Unique art for the new metro line stations in Copenhagen
27.04.2017
At the upcoming Metro line to Sydhavn in Copenhagen, art will become an integrated part of the architecture. Grants from VILLUM FONDEN, The Obel Family Foundation and the Danish Arts Foundation have supported the project.
For the first time passengers will have the possibility to experience modern art at close range in the underground stations, when the five new metro stations on the Sydhavn metro line open in 2023. The metro stations will differ from both Cityringen and the existing metro stations with fully integrated works of art, created specifically for each station.
"When the metro station at Sydhavn opens, the art will become a special feature for the approx. 43,000 daily passengers that will be using the metro. The works of art will contribute to the story of an exciting and complex part of Copenhagen in rapid development, and will probably become new tourist attractions, as we have learned from metro stations in major metropolises abroad, such as New York, Moscow and Paris", says Frank Jensen, the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen in a press release.
The works of art have been realised with grants from VILLUM FONDEN, The Obel Family Foundation and the Danish Arts Foundation, each contributing with DKK 8.5 million. The Danish Arts Foundation has held a competition for ideas with 10 invited artists, and then five artists were selected to create the art for the stations.
New art at Sydhavn´s metro line
"At the new metro stations, the art is wedged in like a small gear in the subway's huge machinery. The distinctive and original works of art are part of the metro space as a combination of architecture and art at a high international level, on a scale, which we have not seen in Denmark in recent times. It is definitely a groundbreaking project in relation to creating art in public space in a place where people meet, stop and hurry on”, says Søren Taaning, chairman for Legatudvalget for Billedkunst, the National Arts Foundation in a press release.
The five works of art - and the artists behind - are all very different and every metro station will have its own expression. In some places, high-tech light installations, mega sculptures or mythological murals meet the passengers, and in some stations, they will be invited on a voyage into outer space.
Last year The Danish Arts Foundation appointed 10 artists to participate in an idea competition to integrate art and architecture at the metro stations on the new line. Based on a presentation of the various works of art, five artists were finally selected to decorate the stations.
"It has been exciting to follow the work on this project, where the technical design of the metro has first inspired and then been incorporated with the artists' unique installations and individual decorations of the five stations. This is a different and new form of art in public spaces, which we hope will please the future users and visitors at the stations," says Lars Hansen, Executive Director of VILLUM FONDEN.
- The Sydhavn extension will open in 2023 and will add five stations: Havneholmen, Enghave Brygge, Sluseholmen, Mozarts Plads and Ny Ellebjerg.
- 15.5 million passengers is expected to use the new metro line annually.
- Sydhavn metro line connects directly to both the Nordhavn line and Cityringen, which will open in 2019 with 17 new stations in the inner bridge area, Frederiksberg and the inner city.
Superflex, Havneholmen:
Superflex challenges the role of the artist in society by developing works of art as tools with multiple application perspectives. They explore and change social, economic and political structures with rebellious humor and knowledge.
Pernille With Madsen, Enghave Brygge:
Pernille With Madsen´s work with video, photography and installation revolve about our notions of spaciousness and flatness. In her works, architectural structures shift and dissolve into new space experiences.
René Schmidt, Sluseholmen:
René Schmidt designs his meaningful sculptures as a very slow comment to society, inspired by both Gothic influence, industrial design and virtual reality.
Christian Schmidt-Rasmussen, Mozart's Place:
Christian Schmidt-Rasmussen unites contradictory temperaments in his wild and color explosive paintings: Petty bourgeois, south harbor romance, angry anarchistic social criticism and self-ironic satire.
Henrik Plenge Jakobsen, New Ellebjerg:
Henrik Plenge Jakobsen is critical of how political, economic and social structures affect our lives when he performs or makes sculptures and installations. However, the metaphysical dimensions of existence insists increasingly.
Read more about the projects on the website of Metroselskabet, where you can find a video presentation of the five artists: Superflex, Pernille With Madsen, René Schmidt, Christian Schmidt-Rasmussen and Henrik Plenge Jakobsen.
