Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Art & Culture Special – Denmark
Art for the soul Picking a piece of art can often seem overwhelming, as the art world and art in itself can be difficult to breach. At Galleri Art Expo, one of Denmark’s largest galleries, owner Sarah Høi provides the time and expertise needed to pick out the perfect piece, with the ultimate goal of making art available to everyone. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Galleri Art Expo
“People often think that visiting an art gallery requires good knowledge of what art is nice and what isn’t. But the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, and every piece has a different effect on someone. We want to put the person in focus rather than the art, and let them find out what they actually like,” says Høi.
Art for the home With its 1,200 square metres, Galleri Art Expo has a huge variety of art in all shapes, sizes and price categories. “To find art you truly like, you have to look for a long time. It’s okay to say thanks for the visit and leave without buying anything. We encourage people to bring pictures of their home or the place where they want to hang a painting, so we can help them find art that fits perfectly into their homes and their lives.” Høi even allows paintings to be borrowed and taken home, so that people can see 48 | Issue 104 | September 2017
if they like it in the space. “It sounds crazy, but art should make you feel something, and it should make you happy to see it in your home,” explains Høi. The gallery hosts a mixture of upcoming and established artists and currently has 68 Danish artists associated with it.
Telling the story “I always make sure that when people buy a piece of art, they know where it’s come from and who it’s by. There’s a story behind every piece, and I think it’s important to tell that story.” The prices range between 200 and 500,000 DKK and are set by the artists themselves. Høi has really excelled at making art something that everyone can enjoy, as well as taking the pretentiousness out of it and allowing the individual to find out what they like. “It’s really important to trust your instincts with art and ask us for help; after all, it’s what we’re here for,” Høi concludes with a smile.
Galleri Art Expo is based in Hørning between Aarhus and Skanderborg in Denmark. The work of 68 Danish artists is on display, as well as that of one Faroese and an American. The gallery is located in a converted film studio space. Web: www.galleri-artexpo.dk