The Shape of Us

See the exhibition “The Shape of Us” in 3D here.

Through her artistic practice, Mille Kalsmose explores identity and relationships, showcased in her solo exhibition 'The Shape of Us', which introduces a new series of works centered on disrupting common thought patterns. Comprising five installations featuring iron, living organisms, blood, algae, moss, rocks, silk, wood, fragments of plaster, and sound elements, 'The Shape of Us' delves into the interplay between inner and outer life, guiding visitors on a journey through humanity's connection with the world around us.

The exhibition incorporates elements from outer space, scrutinizes human development, and probes interpersonal dynamics within families. Key themes in Kalsmose’s work include the relationships between human existence and the environment, and the intersection of materiality and technology.

Her large-scale installations are meticulously crafted with delicate materials juxtaposed against robust iron structures, underscoring the contrast between human fragility and the vastness of the world. While highlighting human insignificance on a cosmic scale, the artworks also evoke a sense of humanity and personal identity through abstract constructions. Kalsmose fosters space for personal introspection and identity formation, intertwining materiality with conceptual and human aspects to embody inner processes and emphasize the inherent qualities of objects.

In her exploration, Kalsmose examines how everything vibrates and coexists, blurring distinctions between individuals and objects within her artistic universe. This concept is vividly illustrated in 'Cosmic Family', where NASA’s recordings from Saturn’s rings play a pivotal role. Sound is a central element in 'Vibrant Matter', a collaboration with neurologist Peter Michael Nielsen and psychologist Alex Ashot Ikilikian, which explores sound, vibration, and our origins while alluding to contemporary psychiatric treatment in Danish health institutions.

Horsens Art Museum's collaboration with Mille Kalsmose commenced in 2014 with the exhibition 'Searching for a Mother', exploring familial bonds and non-biological mother-daughter relationships. Following her presentation of 'Vibrant Matter' at CCA Andratx in Mallorca in 2017, the museum eagerly invited Kalsmose to exhibit again. 'The Shape of Us' marks a significant artistic evolution, demonstrating continuity and perpetual development in both concepts and physical artworks. The exhibition not only reflects Kalsmose’s artistic perspective but also prompts contemplation on human existence and temporal realities.