Project Details
Project Description
Djurs Øhav was a solo exhibition exploring climate change, future scenarios, and the relationship between historical and speculative ecological narratives around Kolindsund, a formerly drained lake on Djursland. The project used utopian futures based on historical facts and scientific data to contribute to public debate about climate adaptation and coastal management.
The exhibition spread from Kunsthal for Maritim Æstetik into the neighbouring Museum Østjylland's large exhibition about Kolindsund, where elements from the utopian future were placed within the historical museum display. This created a form of reverse archaeology and institutional intervention that questioned the relationship between past and future.
The work was accompanied by the publication "Kolindsund fremtidsturistguide" (Kolindsund Future Tourist Guide), published by forlaget majlund in 2022 (ISBN 9788793882096).
Process
The project was based on historical facts and scientific data about Kolindsund, including the existence of oysters when the sound contained saltwater. Using Bruun's rule from 1952, calculations were made regarding the impact of rising sea levels on coastlines.
The work presented anti-linear narratives that explored speculative scenarios, including the possibility of living in oysters as a response to climate change. The project deliberately referenced aesthetics from both Djurs Sommerland and airplane safety folders to reach audiences unfamiliar with contemporary art.
Results
The exhibition was part of a series of events organised by Kunsthal for Maritim Æstetik addressing the Kolindsund debate, including publications, debate events, food events, and bus tours. The project was noted for offering alternative narratives and approaches to working with the problematic of landscape restoration and climate adaptation.
The work was reviewed as demonstrating how art can qualify public debates, providing speculative tools for thinking about environmental challenges. The exhibition contributed to discussions about the role of art in public discourse and its potential to reach new audiences through accessible aesthetic strategies.
