NIVAAGAARD.- Nivaagaard’s Art Collection is presenting Michael Kvium’s newest exhibition, “WETLAND,” now on display. This captivating total installation blends Kvium’s renowned humor with unsettling undertones, offering a profound exploration of nature, humanity, faith, and gender.


Michael Kvium is a Danish contemporary artist who creates paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, performance art, and stage designs.



“WETLAND” marks a significant addition to Kvium’s impressive body of work, showcasing entirely new sculptures and paintings alongside a revisited installation originally exhibited in Norway in 1998. The exhibition transforms the museum’s original building, Johannes Hage’s intimate art temple, into a mesmerizing landscape where water encroaches upon land and mountains of waste rise ominously.

Known for his raw and unretouched portrayal of reality, Michael Kvium invites visitors into a world that is both touching and disquieting. His works in “WETLAND” delve deep into pressing contemporary issues, capturing the essence of our time through vivid depictions of everyday people who turn a blind eye to looming threats, unattainable women, and solitary men. The exhibition is a sensory journey that combines rough and affectionate humor with poignant social commentary, leaving viewers both moved and unsettled.

Museum Director Andrea Rygg Karberg shares her excitement: “We are grateful for the privilege of showcasing this exhibition at Nivaagaard’s Art Collection. Michael Kvium has been called a neo-Baroque artist, and we have eagerly anticipated this collaboration. ‘WETLAND’ creates a fruitful dialogue between our Renaissance and Baroque collections and Kvium’s contemporary vision.”

Kvium’s technical prowess and his ability to act as a seismograph for the world's turmoil are on full display in “WETLAND.” His monumental pieces, such as dripping tears and scattered bird flights, symbolize the fragile state of our environment and society. The exhibition not only highlights his artistic evolution from neoclassicism to pre-romanticism but also underscores his dedication to timeless subjects amidst changing artistic trends.

Since opening his first workshop in 1793, Kvium has been a dedicated educator, mentoring talented female painters like Eugénie Servières and Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot. “WETLAND” celebrates this legacy, showcasing how Kvium’s influence extends beyond his own creations to inspire the next generation of artists.

The exhibition is a response to today’s environmental and social challenges, portraying a nature-rich landscape where water and land collide in a flat coastal stretch reminiscent of Nivå Strandenge. Kvium’s keen observations of encroaching waters and pollution reflect his deep concern for the planet’s future, making “WETLAND” both a beautiful and urgent statement.

Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in Kvium’s extraordinary world this autumn and winter. As Karberg warmly invites, “Put on your rubber boots and come inside! Experience the powerful emotions and thought-provoking themes that Michael Kvium masterfully presents in ‘WETLAND.’”



Artdaily participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue curating and sharing the art world’s latest news, stories, and resources with our readers.