NOW HERE, THEN THERE: PART 1, spotlight on Per Kirkeby

Susanne and Per Kirkeby began collaborating as early as 1979, publishing prints by the artist together with Niels Borch Jensen.

It was in 1985 that Susanne realised Per Kirkeby’s first solo exhibition with the gallery, hiring the entirety of Den Frie Udstillingsbygning for the occasion! This major show exhibited 38 of Kirkeby’s bronzes, made between 1981- 84. A selection of prints were also on view. (It wasn’t until 2020, at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, that a comprehensive presentation of his bronzes was again realised.)

Susanne recalls missing one of the greatest games of football while installing the show – Denmark vs the Soviet Union. The game, which ended in a triumphant 4-2 victory, took place on constitution day, 5 June 1985, and cheers of exuberant Danish fans at the Idrætspark stadium could be heard from all those hard at work at Den Frie!

Fortunately, Per Kirkeby’s magnificent show was well worth missing the game for!

Pictured here, Susanne in Per Kirkeby’s exhibition at Den Frie:

Per Kirkeby
‘Skulpturer’
Den Frie Udstillingsbygning
8 – 23 June, 1985

Per Kirkeby is one of five artists featuring in part 1 of our 40 year anniversary exhibition, ‘NOW HERE, THEN THERE’. A bronze sculpture from his 1985 show is once again presented as we celebrate 40 Years of Galleri Susanne Ottesen.