Breaking Darkness: An Immersive Lars von Trier Exhibition Unveiled in Copenhagen
In the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, the Nikolaj Kunsthal is set to unveil an extraordinary exhibition—“Breaking Darkness”—a full-scale artistic homage to Lars von Trier, one of the most provocative filmmakers of our time.
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Get Started NowThe exhibition transforms the historic Nikolaj Kunsthal into an immersive total installation, blurring the lines between film and visual art. This experience offers a new perspective on von Trier’s groundbreaking works, allowing both dedicated fans and first-time viewers to engage with his darkly poetic, often unsettling cinematic universe in an entirely new way.
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Breaking Darkness is not just an exhibition—it’s an experience that invites visitors to step inside von Trier’s world.
A Journey Through Lars von Trier’s Cinematic Universes
“Breaking Darkness” is a meticulously crafted five-part installation, each segment dedicated to one of von Trier’s most significant films:
- Breaking the Waves (1996): The Upper Gallery showcases large, cascading textiles illuminated with flickering projections—an ethereal tribute to Bess’ heartbreaking devotion.
- Melancholia (2011): In the Lower Gallery, organic moss-like lianas wrap around the columns and floor, reflecting the natural chaos and psychological disintegration at the heart of the film.
- Europa (1991): A haunting audiovisual landscape unfolds on the first floor, evoking the dreamlike and dystopian feel of von Trier’s hypnotic noir masterpiece.
- Dogville (2003): Within Nikolaj Tower, visitors ascend through a surrealist staged installation, mirroring the austere, minimalist aesthetic of the original set.
- Dancer in the Dark (2000): A separate space in the Tower Gallery immerses viewers in the tragedy and music of Selma’s world through experimental sound and light elements.
Each installation engages the senses through film fragments, light, soundscapes, and carefully designed objects from the cinematic universe of Lars von Trier.
Innovative Contributions: Where Art and Film Collide
The exhibition extends beyond von Trier’s cinematic legacy, integrating contemporary artistic reinterpretations from acclaimed contributors:
Sofie Riise Nors: A Feminist Lens on Von Trier
One of Denmark’s most distinctive feminist satirists, Sofie Riise Nors, brings a critical and humorous take on von Trier’s representation of women.
Her work—presented in graphic novel format—depicts a fictional radio show where listeners call in to question and challenge von Trier’s controversial narratives.
Nors is best known for her sharp-witted social criticism, as seen in her works “Jeg var din muse” (I Was Your Muse) and “Sexmagasinet”. Her presence in Breaking Darkness sparks necessary conversations about gender and storytelling in von Trier’s films.
Solitude Studios: When Fashion Meets Film
The Copenhagen-based textile and design collective Solitude Studios contributes a hauntingly beautiful visual dimension to the exhibition.
Inspired by nature’s unpredictable responses to human behavior, their work for Breaking Darkness includes:
- Lush, plant-like sculptures and vines growing around the space (Melancholia).
- Oversized textiles flowing from the ceiling, animated by light and film (Breaking the Waves).
Solitude Studios’ organic, tactile installations give Breaking Darkness a unique physical presence, allowing visitors to experience von Trier’s films through space, material, and movement.
A Must-See for Film & Art Enthusiasts
Lars von Trier’s work has always pushed boundaries, challenging audiences to engage with philosophical, political, and deeply human questions.
With “Breaking Darkness,” his visionary storytelling is reimagined through contemporary artistic practices, offering a new lens on his iconic films.
Whether you’re a dedicated von Trier fan, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, this exhibition is an unmissable event in Copenhagen’s cultural calendar.
📍 Location: Nikolaj Kunsthal, Copenhagen, Denmark
📅 Exhibition Period: February 8 – July 27, 2025
