Climate Change Sets The Scene in Denmark | Alternative Fruit

Katharina Grosse’s untitled work in Aarhus. MAJA THEODORAKI (Art News)

Climate Change Sets The Scene in Denmark this summer, and the ARoS triennial event beckons the crowds towards the museum in Aarhus, right through an urban beach and a wild forest. This fantastic location in the post-industrial township draws people in from all around to pay witness to the 140 various artworks on display. Of these several dozen pieces, twenty three of them have been commissioned especially for the show. What began in June and is due to end in September, this triple production is in the second chapter of its outlined set-list.


The European Capital of Culture has been hosted by Aarhus this year, which makes the event a little more special. The international community have their eyes turned on this otherwise humble and little known part of Scandinavia. This status increased their annual budget significantly, which has paid for a whole host of events throughout the area all year.


The theme of climate change inspired this year's title “End of times, Beginning of times”. Perhaps the idea is that we need to end our age of energy gluttony and consider more appropriate ways of living our lives. The art works on show are intended to communicate the urgency of the situation but also to inspire people to begin thinking of solutions. It's not all guilt trips and shame mongering, although I can't imagine a climate change art exhibition without it.


Placing a large amount of public and visible art in the town has been a welcome change for many residents, the cultural relevance of Aarhus has rocketed since the exhibition began. With an emphasis on nature, the environment, and progressive evolution of the way we live being the theme of many pieces, Aarhus must be quickly becoming one of the most enlightened places in the world.
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