CHART Talks

As part of the Talks Programme at CHART 2025, we were delighted to present a conversation between Danish artist Emily Gernild and Marie Laurberg, Artistic Director and CEO at Copenhagen Contemporary in Denmark and Founder of the support program for artists, CC Commissions, and the Beckett-Prize.Drawing on Gernild’s reflections, the conversation traces her path to becoming a painter: from early detours through theology to discovering a practice rooted in everyday objects, colour, and form. She discusses challenging the perception of painting, especially floral motifs, as something simple or feminine, and speaks to her belief in the deep exchange between material and spirit. Laurberg and Gernild explore the shift from canvas to linen, the quiet rituals of the studio, and the symbolic presence of lemons throughout her work, while also questioning whether today’s visual culture has become too banal in the imagery we consume.

At CHART 2025, we were pleased to present a panel discussion exploring the role of art in public spaces, focusing on the creation and commissioning process of public art. The panel consists of Danish artist Pernille With Madsen, Michael Thouber, Director of the New Carlsberg Foundation and former Director of Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Diana Velasco, Art Consultant at Kunst på Arbejde and served for five years as Program Lead for the Art in Metro initiative at Metroselskabet (supported by Statens Kunstfond, Det Obelske Familiefond and Villum Fonden), moderated by Milena Høgsberg, former Director and Chief Curator of Wanås Konst.The conversation examined the practicalities of applying for public art funding, the balance between aesthetics and functionality, and the complex logistics of working with contractors, sub-contractors, and multiple stakeholders. The panellists reflected on the power of public commissions—how they can embody state representation, shape collective identity, and evolve in meaning over time. Through examples such as The Little Mermaid, Poul Gernes’ decoration of Ordrup Gymnasium, Bruce Nauman’s Square Depression, and Svend Wiig Hansen’s Oceania, they discussed how involving users in the creative process fosters a sense of ownership assuring preservation from future generations. Click here to access the presentation discussed during the conversation.

At CHART 2025, we were delighted to present a conversation between Danish artist Frederik Næblerød and Marie Nipper, Director of ARKEN Museum of Modern Art, Ishøj, Denmark. At the time, Næblerød’s works were the focus of a major solo exhibition at the museum, during which his studio was temporarily relocated to the institution.Together they discuss Næblerød's major solo exhibition at the museum 'All Walks of Life' and explore his work across diverse media including painting, drawing, ceramics and bronze sculpture. Tracing his practice from a background in graffiti, through his time at art school up to his most recent body of work, the talk considers how Næblerød uses an experimental approach to create vibrant energetic compositions that still feel true to life. Næblerød also reflected on his intuitive artistic approach, drawing not from theory or art history but from everyday encounters, like the faces and colours from a simple trip to the supermarket.Click here to access the presentation discussed during the conversation.

In this episode Anders Herwald Ruhwald and Stephanie Cristello discuss the interplay between form and content in Ruhwald's latest book project Mineral Skin, which features documentation of Ruhwald's practice alongside accompanying text by Cristello.Together the pair reflect on their collaboration, and the way in which Mineral Skin conforms to and breaks with the conventions of traditional book making. The conversation then broadens into a wider discussion of the role of language in Ruhwald's work and the different ways in which art, materiality and form can intersect in contemporary practice.Anders Herwald Ruhwald is a Danish-American artist based between Chicago and Detroit. His work is held in the permanent collections of The Art Institute of Chicago, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Victoria & Albert Museum and Musee des Arts decoratifs, among others. Stephanie Cristello, is a contemporary art critic, curator, and author based in Chicago.

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic collaboration of the project "We Are All Hybrids", with artist duo Rhoda Ting & Mikkel Bojesen and Luke Holman from the Globe Institute.Blending art, science, and technology, this project delves into speculative futures, asking how art can guide us towards an affirmative shift beyond the Anthropocene. Inspired by animals and species from Holman’s research in Skagerrak and the Little Belt in Denmark, as well as Icelandic waters, the sculptures bring to life the shared DNA across species, exploring marine environments and the ongoing evolution of life forms. Moderated by Kasper Opstrup, PhD, from the University of Copenhagen, who specialises in intersections of art, literature, and radical countercultures, the discussion reveals how this unique collaboration was born and how it reimagines our relationship with the natural world.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

In this episode, we dive into the collaboration between artists Johannes Sivertsen and Modou Dieng Yacine, who creatively explore themes of territory, identity, and belonging. Through painting and photography, Sivertsen and Dieng Yacine examine the lasting impacts of colonial history and the sense of being "in-between" that shapes their identities. They reflect on how representation (or lack thereof) in their homelands affects what—and who—is remembered. Sivertsen points to the gaps left by an incomplete history, while Yacine explores how our understanding of architecture changes in light of the legacy of colonialism. Central to their project is the figure of Louis Faidherbe—a French governor behind brutal military campaigns in West Africa–whose legacy is historicised in Paris, where the pair met, as well as in Saint-Louis, Senegal, where Dieng Yacine grew up. Joined by Marie-Ann Yemsi, independent curator and board member at Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the conversation uncovers the unique origins of this collaboration, how they shaped it together, and the fresh perspectives it brings to identity and history. The conversation invites us to reflect on how we learn about the world and the way we understand the connections between different cities.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

In this episode, we explore the textured and layered world of artist Pia Ferm, who exhibited a solo booth with Saskia Neuman Gallery at CHART 2024. Known for her work with fiber, textile, and stone, Ferm draws from landscapes to blend figuration and abstraction, crafting each piece through weaving, tufting, and carving—sometimes building her own looms.Joining her is contemporary art critic and curator Stephanie Cristello, who brings insight into Ferm’s exploration of material, form, and the concept of time. Their conversation examines how fiber and stone communicate in relief, the visible marks of creation, and how the body’s movements are both present and elusive in each work.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

In this episode, join us for a conversation with the Jury for CHART Architecture 2024 and a member of the winning team behind Breeze Pavilion, as they share insights into the unique approach and values shaping New Nordic Architecture.The panel features Jonas Sarantaris from the Breeze Pavilion team, Søren Pihlmann, Founder of pihlmann architects, and Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen, Dean of Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy and is moderated by Tyra Dokkedahl, architect, journalist and founder of Seriously Fun.Together, they discuss what makes Nordic architecture distinct, delving into the essential principles of sustainability, integration with surroundings, functionality, cultural context, human-centered design, and innovation. Sarantaris introduces the Breeze Pavilion team’s creative process, from material choices to construction methods, and how they embraced a Danish perspective in crafting this year’s pavilion.Click here to view the presentation discussed in the talk.

In this episode we feature an artist talk with Trine Søndergaard, a photography-based visual artist, and Saara Hacklin, Chief Curator of Contemporary Art Museum KIASMA in Finland – recorded live during CHART 2024.The conversation starts with Søndegaard's first experiences with a camera at primary school and goes on to cover her early experiences as an artist working with painting and drawing, and her eventual move to integrate photography into her artistic practice.The discussion goes on to focus on the artist's experience working with museum collections, the balance between "dead traditions" and "everyday life", and the ways in which cultural artefacts can help us gain new perspectives on contemporary social issues.Click here to view the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

In this episode, we discuss the medium of performance art, focusing on the unique practice of Teo Ala-Ruona, an artist with a deep love for text, or words, and their transformative power. Known for investigating "somatic fiction," Ala-Ruona explores how the human body’s boundaries are perceived and reshaped through technological and psycho-physical extremes. Their work weaves together autobiographical and theoretical texts with scientific research, fiction, and bodily exercises, covering themes of techno-trans-masculinity, sexuality, and eco-normative "naturalness." Joining Ala-Ruona is Storm Møller Madsen, PhD, from the University of Copenhagen, whose expertise spans performance art, body-based performance, transgender identity, and embodiment. Together, they discuss the intricate layers of Ala-Ruona’s work and how bodywork and words can challenge and expand our understanding of the body in a modern context.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

In this episode, we are delighted to present a conversation between New York-based, self-taught artist Marcus Leslie Singleton, known for his distinctive figurative paintings that blend pointed social commentary with subtle, joyful observations, and Fatoş Üstek, an independent curator and writer based in London, whose recent work includes curating the 2023 Frieze Sculpture exhibition and authoring The Art Institution of Tomorrow. The conversation was recorded live at CHART 2024, where Marcus Leslie Singleton presented a solo exhibition with V1 Gallery.Together, they explore topics central to Singleton’s process and vision—reflecting on memory, the interpretative nature of images, and his evolving perspective after moving away from the city. Singleton shares his approach to color, jazz, serendipitous “happy accidents,” spirituality, and daily life alongside his cat, Lent, revealing how these elements shape his vibrant, layered compositions.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

Listen to an insightful conversation about Artificial Intelligence between Arvida Byström, contemporary artist, Michael Connor, Co-Director of Rhizome, and Fatos Üstek, independent curator and writer – recorded live during CHART 2024.Does AI have the potential to transcend human creativity in the arts? Together the panelists discuss the different ways in which new AI technologies are influencing contemporary art, for artists and audiences alike. Discussing everything from AI assistants, to sex dolls and van Gogh chat bots, the conversation considers the ways in which new technologies are impacting cultural economies, our relationship to the body and gender politics, and how this trend is likely to continue for years to come.

In this episode of the CHART Talks podcast, we explore the pioneering world of architect Jan Gehl, a visionary in human-centric urban design, inspired by a question once posed to him: Why are architects not interested in people?—igniting his lifelong quest to reshape city planning. Gehl’s philosophy, honed through his groundbreaking book Life Between Buildings, has transformed public spaces in cities worldwide, from New York to Copenhagen. Joining him is Tyra Dokkedahl, director of Seriously Fun and co-initiator of Empathic Environments, whose work at the intersection of art, architecture, and urban culture explores the social and cultural aspects of public spaces. Together, Gehl and Dokkedahl discuss the evolution of cities, the activism that’s shaped Gehl’s career, and his recent knighthood by the Queen of Denmark. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on public spaces, the impact of people watching, and what makes certain urban areas inviting while others fall short.

For the third episode in a new season of the CHART Talks podcast, we are happy to share a recording of a conversation between the artist Nina Beier and Aram Moshayedi, the current interim chief curator at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles and curator-in-residence at Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City, where he recently oversaw the exhibition Nina Beier Casts.Together, they discuss the nuances of translating artworks, the challenges of representing sculpture and performance in photographs, and how context shapes interpretation. Topics include the significance of wall text, translation between English and Spanish, and how the same work shifts meaning in different settings. Tune in for an in-depth look at how Beier’s transformative art and Moshayedi’s curatorial insights invite new ways of understanding and engaging with contemporary art.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

For the second episode in a new season of the CHART Talks podcast, we are happy to share a recording of a conversation between Mikkel Hansen, retired handball player, and art collector; Karen Bro, journalist and art collector; and Julie Quottrup Silbermann, Director of CHART; moderated by Swiss-Swedish art enthusiast Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar. Together, they talk about what collecting means to them, share stories of their first art acquisitions, and offer guidance on key considerations for new collectors. They discuss the distinctions between buying from galleries or art fairs, along with practical tips on navigating art fairs with confidence and where to get inspired and discover new talents. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this conversation sheds light on the motivations and strategies behind building a meaningful collection.

For the first episode in a new season of the CHART Talks podcast, we are happy to share a recording of a conversation between the photographer Inuuteq Storch and Stephanie Cristello, Chicago-based art critic, curator, and author. The conversation was recorded live at CHART 2024, during the exhibition period for ‘Rise of the Sunken Sun,’ the artist's solo exhibition in the Danish Pavilion as part of the 2024 Venice Biennale.Storch reflects on his journey as an artist, his connection to the land, his encounters with shamans, and his passions for music and hunting. Through his lens, he reveals the unique moments when motifs seem to call to him, asking to be photographed. Storch also shares the nuances he experiences when photographing people versus landscapes, balancing the deeply personal with the universal and exploring how photography can preserve cultural memory.Click here to access the presentation to view the discussed artworks.

For the tenth episode of the CHART Talks podcast, we are delighted to share a recording of a panel discussion moderated by Anne Mette Rahbæk, Head of Development at Realdania By & Byg featuring Ebbe Stub Wittrup, an artist with experience in creating art both for pre-existing buildings and new constructions, Poul Høilund an architect specialising in destination development, and Maria Eichhorn, an art consultant working for Statens Kunstråd to increase the scope of art in the public sphere. Covering everything from how art can create meaningful connections between communities, to how art can increase public safety, foster beauty and provide a living document of a city's history, the talk looked at specific examples of successful public art installations in Copenhagen, Rome and other cultural capitals.

At CHART 2023, we were delighted to present a talk between the visual artist Giorgio Celin and Zippora Elders, Chief Curator and Head of the Curatorial Department & Outreach at Gropius Bau in Berlin. The conversation was recorded live at Charlottenborg and occasionally refers to a visual presentation featuring images of the solo presentation that Celin was exhibiting with NEVVEN as part of the art fair. Beginning with the artist’s personal history and movement from Colombia to rural Italy as a young child, the conversation went on to consider the role of intimacy and autobiography in painting as well as the importance of mentors, and the relationship between movement and queerness. Giorgio Celin is a Barcelona-based visual artist whose vibrant figurative paintings stem from his idiosyncratic lived experiences, fantasies and memories. Characterised by bold figures and vivid colours, the artist’s canvases effortlessly capture, and offer an alternative narrative to, the stories of the Latinx diaspora.

Listen to a discussion between experts from the architectural field, centering around accessibility, diversity and universal design. Recorded live at CHART 2023 this talk was moderated by Sarah Müllertz, founder of jewellery brand KINRADEN and former Partner and Head of Global Design at Henning Larsen Architects. Panelists included: Architect and Founder of Wingårdhs Architects, Gert Wingårdh, Architect Camilla Ryhl Ph.D who specialises in the sensory qualities of architecture as well as the interpretation and implementation of universal design as a multidisciplinary value-based ethos, and Rong Guan, Interior Architect and In-house Architect at Polestar, previously Senior Lead Architect for Hirsch Bedner Associates Studio in Shanghai. The conversation explores the importance of innovative design and how buildings and public spaces can be transformed to provide equal access, and enhance quality of life, for all individuals.

Listen to an inspiring panel discussion exploring how some of Denmark's most innovative companies collaborate with contemporary artists.Recorded live at CHART 2023 this talk was moderated by the Michael Solgaard, the author of ‘Med Kunsten som Indsats – møder mellem erhvervsliv og samtidskunst’. The conversation also features Mads Nørgaard, CEO and Founder of Mads Nørgaard, Rose Eken, Visual Artist and Anders Byriel, CEO of Kvadrat and Board Member of Ny Carlsbergfondet and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The talk explores the personal journey of each panel member into the world of contemporary art, the different possible forms that the relationship between artist and businesses can take, and the potential for mutually positive impact and creative connection when these relationships are formed.