He had to display the equivalent of more than 70,000 euros in banknotes glued to a canvas, but in the end he presented empty frames and kept the good sum: a court on Monday sentenced a Danish artist to return most of the amount.
“The court decided that ‘B’ (the artist) had to pay ‘A’ (the museum) 492,549 crowns (66,000 euros), the amount owed, less the artist’s fees and compensation related to the confrontation,” said the Copenhagen court. in a sentence.
In 2021, the “Kunsten” museum in Aalborg, western Denmark, agreed to lend a large sum of cash to Jens Haaning so that he could reconstruct one of his old works representing a year’s salary in Denmark and Austria. in Danish denominations and euros. When opening the boxes, the employees noticed that the frames were empty, and the works were renamed “Take the money and leave.”
“Humorous approach”
However, the museum’s director, Lasse Andersson, decided to present the two works as part of his exhibition on modern work. “They offer a humorous approach and make you think about how we value work,” he explained, although he assured that the museum would go to court if Haaning, 58, did not return the money.
For his work, Haaning received 10,000 crowns (1,340 euros), plus an exhibition bonus. She sued the State for violation of her copyright. Questioned by TV2 Nord television, the artist estimated that the museum had obtained “much, much more” than the money invested, particularly thanks to media coverage of the matter.
Unlimited and free access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss anything from the stars.
Yes, I want free unlimited access.
