The donation presented to EMMA is a great example of the New Carlsberg Foundation’s support for the acquisition of Danish art internationally. With the donation, EMMA has acquired Untitled (Stripe series with red and blue as recurring colours) (1966) by Poul Gernes (1925–1996). This series consists of 15 paintings, each measuring 122 x 122 cm, featuring combinations of three differently coloured stripes.

Gernes is known for his bold use of colours and geometric forms in large-scale abstract works. His art aligns seamlessly with EMMA’s collection profile, which explores the boundary-pushing interplay between art and design, as well as phenomena of modernism and contemporary art. Central to Gernes’ practice was integrating art into public spaces and everyday life, a contribution that has significantly influenced the development of public art in the Nordic region.

“The unique support from the New Carlsberg Foundation has made it possible for us to acquire this remarkable series by Poul Gernes. It is an honour to enrich EMMA’s collection with an artist of Gernes’ calibre, whose work is a brilliant example of innovation and renewal within abstract art,” says EMMA’s Executive Director, Pilvi Kalhama.

Currently on display at EMMA, the Experiments in Concretism collection exhibition highlights the playful and innovative approach to abstract geometric art evident in Gernes’ work. The exhibition and associated research inspired the acquisition of this piece.

“The monumental multi-part work by Poul Gernes now part of EMMA’s collection is highly experimental. The artist was open to diverse settings and methods of presentation, also giving us the opportunity to showcase it in various ways. Its inclusion in the collection ensures its preservation and accessibility for future generations. EMMA’s experts are now preparing the acquired work for its debut next year,” explains Henna Paunu, Chief Curator of Collections at EMMA. 

Established in 1902 by brewer Carl Jacobsen and his wife Ottilia Jacobsen, the New Carlsberg Foundation is a private, independent art foundation guided by Jacobsen’s vision of art as a force enriching society and human life. The foundation’s core mission is to promote and support the arts broadly in Denmark, including visual art, architecture, and design. Each year, it awards grants to museums, art institutions, public art projects, and art research initiatives.