Better Together! Poul & Aase Gernes

The art of Poul Gernes (1925–1996) enjoys a cult status in Denmark. What is almost unknown, however, is the fact that his most important works were created in collaboration with his wife, the painter and textile artist Aase Seidler Gernes (1927-2018). Better Together! endeavors to rewrite art history by presenting the Gernes’ work for the first time as a collaborative practice, encompassing their joint projects and interdisciplinary collaborations alongside their individual works.

Their collectivist concept of art directs its central focus towards humankind and situates itself in opposition to the traditional, elitist notion of an artistic genius. The art of Poul & Aase Gernes is intended to address as many people as possible and to inject a positive energy into their surroundings. Hence most of the works are characterized by brilliant colors and simple, geometric shapes. With their diverse depictions of everyday life, the artists sought to create a background against which people could develop themselves and thereby impart a meaningful shape to society. Thus the Gernes’ approach is profoundly democratic without involving political activity in the classical sense.

The exhibition at the Weserburg extends over 800 square meters and features an abundance of wall works, drawings, paintings, design objects, films, documentary material, and life-sized reconstructions of spatial shapings. It is being realized as a collaboration with Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg, Sorø Art Museum, and the Universität Aarhus.

Exhibition on Level 3

Curated by Janneke de Vries