Exhibited: “Nutidskunst fra Jytte og Jarl Borgens samling”, Kunstforeningen, Copenhagen 10 February-5 March 1989 and Silkeborg Kunstmuseum, 18. March-14 May 1989, cat. no. 71. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. Provenance: The collection of Jytte & Jarl Borgen, Copenhagen.

Jarl Borgen: Publisher and Art Collector

The collection of Jytte and Jarl Borgen takes shape over a period of more than fifty years. It includes works by around 70 Danish and 60 international artists.

Most of the artists are represented by only a few works, typically acquired during the artist's breakthrough period. With some of them, Jytte and Jarl Borgen maintain such a close connection that, over time, larger groups of works come together - allowing for a clear view of each artist’s development.

The main goal of their collecting practice is, as Jarl Borgen puts it: “Seriousness, joy, despair, sensuality, and jubilant colours side by side create varied opportunities for experience.”

In the publishing house on Valbygårdsvej, walking from room to room, through hallways and staircases, feels like moving through a “great artwork.” In 1982, Poul Gernes adds colour to the interiors - sometimes in harmony with, sometimes in contrast to - the many works by a wide range of artists.

Visual art becomes an integral part of the publishing house, and in his publishing work, Jarl Borgen frequently involves contemporary artists in the design of book covers. Among those are Asger Jorn, Öyvind Fahlström, and Joseph Beuys, and later also Poul Gernes, Per Kirkeby, Svend Wiig Hansen, and Richard Winther, among others.

Over the years, parts of the collection are donated to - or acquired by - Museum Jorn in Silkeborg.

This is only a small selection from the collection. A larger selection will be presented at an online auction this autumn.