Blank 1864 - 1941

Niels Larsen Stevns created this untitled work, located at the SMK, using paper and ink. Initially, one is struck by the interplay of textures – the smooth, expansive surface of the aged paper contrasted by the rough edge of the book’s binding. The subtle variations in tone across the page create a landscape of their own. The book, an object typically associated with narrative and language, here presents a ‘blank’ page. The materiality of the book itself becomes the focal point, its worn texture and foxed surface speaking to a history of use. The lack of traditional artistic elements allows for an emphasis on the material itself – the very essence of the book. By presenting a blank page, Stevns prompts us to consider what constitutes art and meaning, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue with the artwork. This invites an interpretation, questioning the relationship between art, object, and interpretation.