Next weekend, in the heart of the Danish capital, CHART welcomes 36 galleries from the region to the 12th edition of the leading Nordic art event.
— Ever since when the fair was established, in 2013 by five Danish galleries, the idea has been to create an entrance point to the Nordic art scene, Director Julie Quottrup Silbermann explains. We’re also trying to create a collaborative atmosphere. When we curate the fair, we don’t have the traditional long aisles and booths. Instead, we use the architecture and the infrastructure of the art institutions that are already there. (The CHART premises usually house The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, among others, Ed’s note). When entering the fair, it shall feel like walking around one big contemporary art installation, to meet these leading galleries from the Nordic countries.
— Also, as part of being collaborative, we create dinners for the galleries to meet new institutions, colleagues, VIPs, and collectors. It’s not about ’your clients’ and ’my clients’ It’s about ’ours’, and we help one another.
What are this year’s highlights?
— We bring together 36 exhibitors from across the Nordic region, including a new lineup of galleries. Some of their highlights include a large-scale new sculpture by Danish artist Nina Beier co-presented by Croy Nielsen and STANDARD (OSLO) and a presentation of works by Greenlandic artist Inuuteq Storch, who is representing Denmark at the 2024 Biennale di Venezia, alongside works by French artist Sophie Calle at Wilson Saplana Gallery. Andréhn-Schiptjenko presents a solo booth of works by American sculptor Tony Matelli.
If you were to pick one new name to watch, who would it be?
— Swedish artist Pia Ferm, represented by Saskia Neuman. She’ll be showing new tufted reliefs, woven tapestries and a marble sculpture. To me, it’s interesting to see how the role of craftsmanship in contemporary art is being reconsidered by many artists working today.
For the third consecutive season, the organisation also arranges CHART in Tivoli at the amusement park in central Copenhagen that turned 180 years old last year.
— It opens simultaneously with CHART, but then it runs for one month, so it’s extra time for the galleries. As mentioned, we’ve been trying to challenge the traditional art fair format and see how can we move it further, out and into the public space, to also meet a new audience where they are. Tivoli has close to 400,000 visitors just within the month where the show takes place — anyone can use the map for a treasure hunt there, walking around and seeing it. This year, we’ve also added an audio version, on Spotify, asking all the artists to tell the story about their works, for any visitor standing in front of the sculpture at Tivoli.
The event also includes CHART Architecture, a competition now turning 10 years.
— For the past 10 years, we’ve put up an open call in the early spring, asking newly established architectural firms to create five pavillions in the courtyard that we can use for, for instance, a bar or a restaurant. This year, just like every year, I wanted to do something new. Instead of asking to create pavillions, the open call for the architects was about challenging the ’white cube gallery’ format. This year, we’ll only have one pavilion, but it’s gonna be 10 by 10 m, created by newly established firm Breeze. They have created a space where we’re gonna show the exhibition Start Collecting with CHART. The initiative started last year and is a curated show where we’ve asked all our participating galleries to submit one art piece to a lower price point — up to 20,000 Danish Kroner (€2,680). This is in order to show that art can be purchased at a lower price point, and to make the purchasing process more transparent.
In general, how is the Danish and Nordic art industry doing?
— Overall, both the Danish and the Nordic ones are strong, but it is also in an ongoing process to remain, and indeed needs to ensure it remains inclusive, diverse, and innovative. The art scene here is internationally recognised for its quality and originality, with a robust network of galleries, museums and art institutions that support each other and collaborate. We as an art fair aim to support the community so we can stand stronger together.
What are the trends to watch?
— We see more exhibitions and artists working with or challenging the use of AI, and using AI tools in their practice. This intersection of technology and art is pushing boundaries and raising questions about authorship, originality, and the definition of art.
— There’s also a growing awareness of how the art industry can be more sustainable. CHART just joined the GCC – Gallery Climate Coalition as we aim to become the most sustainable art fair in the Nordics.
How?
— By implementing various strategies focused on reducing our carbon footprint. Key efforts, except for joining the Gallery Climate Coalition, include promoting virtual meetings to reduce travel, using sustainable materials, and prioritising local and ethical partnerships. Visitors will notice changes such as minimised waste, sustainable architecture, and eco-friendly operations. This approach also drives change by educating exhibitors and stakeholders on sustainable practices, ensuring a lasting impact on the art community, Quottrup Silbermann concludes.
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