The exhibition underscores the pivotal role of art in shaping our perception of nature and explores how we engage with our surroundings, both close at hand and distant. A century ago, during the era of the Funen Painters, art was instrumental in the discourse surrounding nature and the environment. In the present day, amidst a period marked by green transitions, investigations into local and national identities, and a renewed focus on the dynamics between rural and urban life, the aesthetic treatment of cultural landscapes, coastlines, and agriculture remains exceedingly pertinent.

Two Artists with Rural Origins
This exhibition presents a compelling juxtaposition of the works of Møller and Otte, offering a thought-provoking dialogue between their distinct approaches. Both artists, originating from rural backgrounds, engage with their subjects and landscapes in markedly different manners. Møller’s work is characterized by a quiet, lyrical, and enigmatic quality, capturing landscapes and coastal scenes with a sense of timelessness. He views himself as an artist following in the tradition of earlier artistic movements. In contrast, Otte adopts a critical and sophisticated perspective, reinterpreting the landscape tradition through depictions of modern agriculture and rural life.

New Works, Artist Talks, and Workshops
The exhibition will feature newly created works, alongside both recent and earlier pieces by the artists, sourced from museums and private collections. Selected works by the Funen Painters will also be included, enriching the narrative. An accompanying introductory booklet will be available, and the exhibition will be supplemented by a series of artist and curator-led tours, as well as workshops. These events offer visitors a deeper understanding of the artists’ landscapes, creative processes, and their reflections on the relationship between nature and human perception.

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 1st, at 2:00 PM

Allan Otte
Allan Otte (b. 1978), hailing from a farm near Aars, graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen (2001–2007). Otte is renowned for his photorealistic paintings, which address the tension between modern agriculture and the often idealized view of rural life. He has received numerous awards and grants and has exhibited widely in galleries and museums across Denmark.

Ulrik Møller
Ulrik Møller (b. 1962), originally from Vester Åby, Funen, currently resides in Berlin. Known for the lyrical and enigmatic nature of his landscape paintings, Møller frequently draws inspiration from South Funen. Despite being self-taught, he has been honored with a three-year working grant from the Danish Arts Foundation. Møller has exhibited extensively across Europe and is represented in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery of Denmark, the Danish Arts Foundation, and the Ny Carlsberg Foundation.