Carsten Nicolai: unidisplay / Yoko Ono: Wish Tree Garden / ​Pettersen & Hein: A View from the Present 1-13

Warm-up opening
Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is an independent institution, established in 2015 with a view to creating a new, international exhibition venue in Copenhagen. To kickstart the major project CC has rented the 3,400 square-meter halls on Paper Island (Christiansholm) in Copenhagen. 

After a renovation period CC is now opening part of the exhibition space on June 30 with a warm-up opening of the German artist Carsten Nicolai’s more than 30-metre-long light and audio installation unidisplay. The work consists of a long wall on which changing light patterns are projected, and where mirrors on both sides of the projection make up an endless universe. The undulating patterns affect our eyes, among other ways through optical illusions, flicker and after-images. At the same time a soundtrack that is propagated through the body by speakers supports the various visual idioms. The work thus offers both a visual and a physical experience. Outside on the quayside one can also experience works by Yoko Ono and Pettersen & Hein.

These works will also be included in CC’s grand opening on August 25 along with works by the American artist Bruce Nauman and Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson.

For 18 months, from June 30, 2016 to December 31, 2017, CC will implement changing exhibitions of work by internationally recognized artists.

The vision
The vision for this one and a half year long pilot project is that CC can afterwards be established in a more permanent place in Copenhagen.

CC is to be a supplement to the existing museums and art halls—a living centre for art and people where a broad public will be able to experience large artworks with a sensory appeal by some of the most significant artists of the present day. These are works that stimulate both body and intellect, and thus involve and engage the individual visitor. 

CC wants to forge relations outside the house, for example in connection with exhibitions, festivals, performances, talks etc. and is already collaborating with external players including Copenhagen Street Food and Cph Art Week.

CC’s intention is to offer major artistic experiences to all visitors and at the same time create an open, relaxed place for people of all ages with long opening hours and events, a shop and a café (in the summer both indoors and outdoors).

Broad support
On an ongoing basis CC has discussed the project with the mayors of the Copenhagen Municipality and with both the present and the former minister of culture, and among these there is support for the establishment in Copenhagen of such an international centre.

In connection with the implementation of the exhibition programme, including loans of artworks, artists, private collectors and museums all over the world have been very cooperative with CC.

Financial support
The independent institution CC is extremely grateful for financial support for the Paper Island Pilot Project from some of the country’s biggest foundations:

Foundations:
A.P. Møller og Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond til almene Formaal
Købmand Herman Sallings Fond
Det Obelske Familiefond
Augustinus Fonden
Beckett-Fonden

Sponsors and private supporters:
Faurschou A/S
Private Donation
Normann Copenhagen
KVADRAT A/S