We are delighted to present an exclusive interview with Lars Kærulf Møller , a renowned art historian and former museum director of the Danish Bornholm Art Museum. As a respected figure in the art world, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the jury committee at the Larnaca Biennale 2023.
In this interview, he shares his insights on the theme "Home Away From Home," the role of contemporary art in addressing displacement and identity, and the importance of diversity in art. He also discusses his expectations for the Larnaca Biennale and the evolving role of biennials and similar events in the art world. Finally, he offers valuable advice to emerging artists submitting their work for consideration in the Larnaca Biennale.
As a respected art historian and former museum director, what do you hope to see in the submissions for the “Home Away From Home” theme of the Larnaca Biennale 2023?
I hope to see some great artists reflecting the theme ‘Home Away From Home’ in its broadest sense. I wish to meet a wide variety in media and technic – and most of all, I hope to be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of the artists.
As a jury member, how do you approach the task of evaluating and selecting artworks for an exhibition such as the Larnaca Biennale?
As always, it is important that the jury members have a common idea of the frames of the theme. Personally, I have no prejudices or favorites, neither nationally nor media. To me, the quality and the context are the most important criteria. To me, it is important to let the artwork speak for itself. Does it communicate to me? And not least to listen and to discuss what other jury members see. To me, it is important to approach the works submitted with respect and an open mind to the artist’s intention.
What role do you think contemporary art plays in addressing themes such as home, displacement, and identity?
Considering the present environmental, political, and economic situation, the concepts and the implications of the themes Home, displacement, and identity are crucial issues in our time. Although it is always dangerous to inscribe art in a political framework, you can never deny or underestimate the role of contemporary art in revealing these notions. Through the sensitivity and expressions of the artists, the issues become visible and tangible and thus comprehensible to the viewer. More than 100 years ago, the Danish artist Harald Giersing stated: ‘All good art is political – all political art is bad,’ meaning that the revolutionary potential of art only is evolved through its ability to provoke reflections.
How important is it to you that the selected artworks reflect a diverse range of perspectives and experiences?
One of the most interesting and beautiful things connected to a broad international selection is that different perspectives of national, political, and philosophical characters are revealed and add to a mutual yet diverse knowledge and understanding. In that sense, the biennials become the most important meeting places for a civilized discussion.
"To me, the quality and the context are the most important criteria.
To me, it is important to let the artwork speak for itself."
Could you discuss a particularly memorable artwork or exhibition that you have seen in the past and what made it stand out to you?
To me, as I presume to almost everyone who saw the work, the most important work for many years was Anselm Kiefers work at the Doges Palace in Venezia in 2022: Questi scritti, quando verranno bruciati, daranno finalmente un po’ di luce (Image). A quote from the Italian philosopher Andrea Emo meaning: ‘These writings, when burned, will finally cast a little light.’ In the enormous formats, Kiefer has stretched out our loss of memory between the all-consuming fire, the desolate war-like landscape, and the human remains.. At the same time as he, acknowledging the site specific character of the work, reflects the meeting between oriental and western cultures and between North and South. The overwhelming apocalyptic installation was both in size and content chokingly moving in its way of addressing the crucial human and environmental issues.
In your opinion, what are some of the current trends or themes that are prevalent in contemporary art today?
One of the most obvious themes in contemporary art is of course gender, where we through the last decenniums finally has seen the gender agenda to be allowed and evolved in the artistic expressions. Another important theme seems to be discussing and addressing the Anthropocene age, realizing the impact of our live on the planet. This evolves among others in works and installations dealing with biology, virtual universes and fragmented worldviews.
How do you see the role of the Larnaca Biennale and similar events evolving in the coming years, and what impact do you think they have on the art world as a whole?
I expect that the Larnaca Biennale and similar events will have a growing impact in the years to come. As more accessible and more vigilant that the larger more established biennials and fairs, they can evolve into important greenhouses for the arts and through that contribute also to the general agenda. I hope that the Larnaca Biennale and its importance in the coming years will grow beyond the borders of Cyprus through its courage to embrace new artistic idioms and to be a new hotspot for emerging artists. As for now the impact is still limited but can certainly be increased through a steady maintaining of high quality. As a relatively new event it is crucial to the future role to develop more elaborated and widespread cooperation and communication.
"I hope that the Larnaca Biennale and its importance in the coming years will grow beyond the borders of Cyprus through its courage to embrace new artistic idioms and to be a new hotspot for emerging artists."
What advice would you give to emerging artists who are submitting their work for consideration in the Larnaca Biennale 2023 or similar exhibitions?
My advice to emerging artists submitting their work for consideration in the Larnaca Biennale would be to stay true to their own vision and creative expression while also considering the theme of “Home Away From Home” and how their work can contribute to a broader conversation about displacement, identity, and belonging. I would also encourage them to experiment with different media and techniques and to challenge themselves to think outside of the box and push boundaries.
It is important for emerging artists to stay engaged with the art world and to seek out opportunities to exhibit their work and connect with other artists, curators, and collectors. Participating in events like the Larnaca Biennale can provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities, and can help to launch an artist’s career.
Ultimately, I believe that the role of contemporary art is to provoke thought and inspire dialogue about the most pressing issues of our time. I look forward to seeing the submissions for the Larnaca Biennale 2023 and the unique perspectives and insights that the artists will bring to the theme of Home Away From Home.