Fifteen of the sixteen new tapestries commissioned for Koldinghus Castle are currently on display at the Grand Palais in Paris. The exhibition offers a preview of the ambitious project celebrating the castle’s 750th anniversary.

The tapestries, created by four Danish artists, explore themes related to Koldinghus: “Border Castle,” “Royal Castle,” “The Ruin,” and “Reconstruction.” The artists were given artistic freedom in their interpretations, resulting in diverse and engaging works.

Bjørn Nørgaard, known for his tapestries at Christiansborg Palace, contributes a colorful collage titled “The Origin of the Future,” reflecting on potential future outcomes. Tal R’s whimsical tapestry, based on “The Ruin,” depicts comically chaotic scenes of figures falling off horses. Alexander Tovborg’s “God, Queen and Fatherland” offers a spiritual perspective, while Kirstine Roepstorff’s “Vertical Time: Dust and Dreams” delves into the history of the border castle.

The exhibition also provides insight into the history and techniques of tapestry production at the Manufacture des Gobelins, founded in 1662. Visitors can view early tapestries woven after designs by court painter Charles le Brun, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the craft.

The tapestries exhibit vibrant colors and materiality. Nørgaard’s experience with the medium shines through in his tapestry’s authority, while Tovborg incorporates bolder colors. Tal R’s tapestry showcases a painting-like quality translated into woven form. Roepstorff’s tapestry, not yet completed, is displayed as a video animation.

The exhibition runs until August 17th at the Grand Palais in Paris. The full impact of the tapestries will be realized when they are installed at Koldinghus Castle.