Needle and Thread: Craft in Art
The major spring exhibition 鈥淣eedle & Thread 鈥� Craft in Art鈥� highlights the working hands in some of the finest works of Danish art from the 19th century to today.
At a time when many are turning to handicrafts such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, it is relevant to delve into these artworks, which, across time, place, and materials, explore the intersection of art, handicraft, and craftwork.
The exhibition features older paintings by C.W. Eckersberg, Michael and Anna Ancher, depicting men and women engaged in handicrafts across different social classes. These are displayed alongside works by some of the country鈥檚 foremost textile artists, including Ragna Braase, Anna Thommesen, and Inge Bj酶rn.
It is worth noting that woven works, in particular, have historically not enjoyed the same access to museum walls as other artworks. They have been regarded as handicrafts and, therefore, not considered refined enough for museum collections. However, this perception is changing, and today, an increasing number of contemporary artists are working with needle and thread, yarn, and weaving in various ways.
This is evident in the exhibition through Adam Christensen鈥檚 transparent patchwork quilt (2021), Gudrun Hasle鈥檚 feminist embroideries (2022), and Olivia Rode Hvass鈥� woven tapestry, acquired by the museum in 2024.
One of the most prominent pieces in the exhibition is the newly created portrait of H.M. Queen Margrethe II embroidering (2023-24), painted by Allan Otte. The work is the first portrait of the Queen after her abdication and is privately owned by Her Majesty. It will be on display at Sor酶 Art Museum from the exhibition鈥檚 opening until June 15, 2025.
Recommended for you
The major spring exhibition 鈥淣eedle & Thread 鈥� Craft in Art鈥� highlights the working hands in some of the finest works of Danish art from the 19th century to today.
At a time when many are turning to handicrafts such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, it is relevant to delve into these artworks, which, across time, place, and materials, explore the intersection of art, handicraft, and craftwork.
The exhibition features older paintings by C.W. Eckersberg, Michael and Anna Ancher, depicting men and women engaged in handicrafts across different social classes. These are displayed alongside works by some of the country鈥檚 foremost textile artists, including Ragna Braase, Anna Thommesen, and Inge Bj酶rn.
It is worth noting that woven works, in particular, have historically not enjoyed the same access to museum walls as other artworks. They have been regarded as handicrafts and, therefore, not considered refined enough for museum collections. However, this perception is changing, and today, an increasing number of contemporary artists are working with needle and thread, yarn, and weaving in various ways.
This is evident in the exhibition through Adam Christensen鈥檚 transparent patchwork quilt (2021), Gudrun Hasle鈥檚 feminist embroideries (2022), and Olivia Rode Hvass鈥� woven tapestry, acquired by the museum in 2024.
One of the most prominent pieces in the exhibition is the newly created portrait of H.M. Queen Margrethe II embroidering (2023-24), painted by Allan Otte. The work is the first portrait of the Queen after her abdication and is privately owned by Her Majesty. It will be on display at Sor酶 Art Museum from the exhibition鈥檚 opening until June 15, 2025.
