Art Tower 4
- Artists: Jørgen Chang and Susanne Eriksen
- Artwork: "Det tror vi på"
- Created: 2024
Experience the poetry and power of nature in Kunsttårn 4
Art in balance with the cycle of nature
Kunsttårn 4 stands on Korsebøllevej – a converted transformer tower that houses a joint work of art by Susanne Eriksen from Rudkøbing and Jørgen Chang from Svendborg. The work is entitled ‘Det tror vi på’ (We believe in that), and it is about trust – in nature's own processes and in its ability to find its way, even when humans lose their footing.
Kunsttårn shows a heartfelt and visual interplay between two artists' very different expressions. Yet they meet in a shared fascination with the cycle of nature – especially that which withers, decays and is often overlooked. For them, the withered and bare hold a very special beauty and strength.
A withered thistle and a chalk-painted seed
Jørgen Chang's contribution to one side of the tower is a monumental painting of a withered thistle – standing proud and majestic, like a sculpture in the landscape. The work began with a chance discovery during a walk in Svendborg, where he saw a single withered thistle that created a strong, almost sacred presence. It was later found again, placed on his windowsill and became the motif for a whole series of works – including this large, colourful painting, where two canvases are placed on top of each other to enhance the monumental expression.
On the opposite side of the tower, Susanne Eriksen has created a work inspired by medieval frescoes and the animals and patterns found in nature. Here, a bat flutters in the upper part of the picture, while a frog jumps into the bottom. Between the two creatures, a plant winds its way, creating a visual and symbolic connection. The work is created in warm red tones with brick illusions that give depth and texture to the surface.
Inspiration from the art treasures of churches
Both Susanne Eriksen and Jørgen Chang have drawn inspiration from church art. They explain how visits to Danish churches, both new and old, gave them the idea of blending their styles and creating a joint work – like a dialogue between two voices. Baroque ornamentation and the stylistic features of fresco painting are interwoven in the tower's expression.
The two artists themselves like to call their collaboration just that: a dialogue. A conversation in colours, shapes and interpretations of nature that creates a new whole, where differences are not blurred but reinforce each other.
The wisdom and power of nature
The work ‘Det tror vi på’ (We believe in this) expresses the belief that nature will survive – not necessarily with humans at its centre, but on its own terms. The forms of nature, even when they are withered, are not sad, but testify to the continuous movement of life. It is about learning to see nature with new eyes – and finding beauty in the imperfect and transient.
It is precisely this idea that sets Kunsttårn 4 apart from many other works of art in public spaces. Here, it is not about the spectacular or the polished – but about immersion, reflection and respect for the rhythms of nature.
Langeland's Art Towers - a unique way of experiencing art
Denmark's longest art exhibition can be experienced by visiting 12 former electrical transformer towers on Langeland. The art towers give visitors an artistic experience in the heart of the Langeland countryside.
From North to South and East to West, you can explore the cultural landscape and enjoy art in rural peace and quiet.
The towers are open all year round. A tour around them all will always offer a new experience, influenced by both the season and weather.
You can read more about the 12 art towers at https://www.govisitlangeland.com/langeland/discover/art-towers
