Breaking Darkness 

The exhibition, titled Breaking Darkness, is a tribute to Lars von Trier’s significant artistic contributions and presents his distinctive universe in a new light. It offers both hardcore fans and curious newcomers the chance to engage with his works in an alternative context. Breaking Darkness unfolds Lars von Trier’s universe through five site-specific installations spread across all of the kunsthal’s galleries, including the iconic Nikolaj Tower. By integrating the historic church spaces, with stylistic nods to Gothic and Baroque architecture, von Trier’s works are placed in a distinctive artistic context that provides a physical and tactile encounter with the filmmaker’s aesthetics and imagery.

A Visual Arts Perspective
Born in 1956, Lars von Trier has been a pioneering figure in film art since graduating from the National Film School of Denmark, always with a keen eye for visual artistry. His original ambition to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts reflects a deep fascination with visual expression, which he has channeled into his filmmaking. As a central figure both in Denmark and internationally, Lars von Trier has consistently challenged conventions, creating works that are gripping, provocative, beautiful and unsettling. This exhibition dissolves the boundaries between visual art and film to offer a sensory total experience that highlights the visual impact of his works.

A Gesamtkunstwerk
The exhibition consists of five site-specific installations representing films created between 1991 and 2011. These installations are staged in different spaces, each enhancing the unique form and themes of the films. For instance, Breaking the Waves (1996) is set against the Gothic architecture of the Upper Gallery, Melancholia (2011) unfolds in the high-ceilinged Lower Gallery, while Europa (1991) is presented on the first floor of the kunsthal. In the tower, Dogville (2003) is staged alongside the building’s significant 19th-century clock mechanism, and Dancer in the Dark (2000) is brought to life at the Tower Gallery.

The exhibition addresses themes such as love, faith, destruction and evil. Breaking Darkness constructs a narrative universe based on objects, film fragments and sound. Through lighting and scenographic techniques, the site-specific staging creates visual worlds that the audience can step into and become part of.

During the exhibition period, all five Lars von Trier films will be screened in full length at Nikolaj Kunsthal in a specially designed mini cinema. The exhibition will also feature additional screenings at the Cinematheque.

Collaborative Creation
Breaking Darkness has been developed in collaboration with Zentropa and Jens-Otto Paludan. Lighting and scenography are designed by Philip Sacht, while author Sofie Riise Nors, known for her book Jeg var din muse (“I Was Your Muse”), contributes a feminist perspective and interpretation of Lars von Trier’s work.

Although Lars von Trier has not been directly involved in the development or production of the exhibition, he has expressed his approval, stating: “I, Lars von Trier, hereby give the exhibition my blessing.”