Genre terms such as “Art brut” or “Outsider art” are often used to describe works produced in psychiatric settings. “Art brut” was introduced by the surrealist artist Jean Dubuffet in 1945 to describe “raw art”; untrained and non-academic art, created out of necessary inner needs, which testifies to greater artistic freedom and intuitive creativity. This art was created by self-taught individuals such as Karoline Ebbesen. Despite the influence of art brut artists on some of the most famous modernist painters, including Asger Jorn, they have often been omitted from art history overviews.

For this tour, Marie Vinther, curatorial assistant at the Museum of Contemporary Art Roskilde, will give an introduction to art brut art, focusing on Karoline Ebbesen and her art. We will take a closer look at the unique artists and stories associated with the concept, as well as examine its significance and continuing influence in the contemporary world. The tour will also include a visit to Museum Sct. Hans, where we will take a closer look at their large collection of art brut.

Kaååråålines Verses
The exhibition Kaååråålines Vers (Kaååråålines Verses) is the Roskilde Museum of Contemporary Art’s autumn exhibition, displayed in Kurhuset, located in the former Sankt Hans Hospital, where the artist Karoline Ebbesen lived from the mid-1880s until her death in 1936. During her long hospitalization, Ebbesen produced works in textiles, embroidery, collage, drawing, and text, and developed her own font and alphabet. The exhibition presents Ebbesen’s works alongside new large-scale installations by Danish and international artists, all with direct references to Ebbesen.

Practical information
The tour will be in Danish. Meeting point: At the entrance to the exhibition, Kurhuset, Kurhusvænge 3

Photo: Untitled work. Karoline Ebbesen, Museum Sct. Hans