Art Tower 10 - Britt Smelvær - the ocean gives, the ocean takes

Art Tower 10

• Artist: Britt Smelvær
• Artwork: “The Sea Gives - The Sea Takes”
• Created: 2024

The Sea Gives - The Sea Takes

Langeland boasts a 152-kilometer coastline with several small fishing harbors. In Art Tower 10, Britt Smelvær highlights the fishing industry and life close to the sea. Here, fishermen once pulled their catch from the sea’s pantry.

Today, the fish stocks around Langeland are not what they used to be. The tower serves as a reminder of the sea’s fragility. Although the surface of the sea appears clean and calm, pollution has affected both the sea and the land.

"In Bagenkop, I found fishing nets, and in Spodsbjerg, I found fish traps. I welded a rebar mesh to the size of the tower, and in my barn, I prepared it for installation in tower no. 10. With help from Langeland El, I mounted reinforcing foils on the walls and fastened the rebar mesh," explains Britt Smelvær.

Britt Smelvær

Britt Smelvær was born in Scotland in 1945 but grew up in Norway. After studying at Statens Lærerskole i Formning, she moved to Copenhagen, where she has lived since 1970.

As an artist, Britt is self-taught. She has explored many different techniques and materials, evolving from traditional tapestry through Arte Povera in her works and installations to land art, where she works with nature in nature.

Britt Smelvær’s art often references nature as well as her need for order, which she finds in geometry and the world of ornaments. Her artistic journey has roots in textile art, and today she primarily works with painting and graphics.

In Denmark, Britt is particularly known for her textile works, which significantly broke with traditional textile art. Her installations have been showcased by the artist group Transit, at Charlottenborg in Copenhagen, and in exhibitions around the world.

Read more and see where you can find more works by Britt Smelvær.

Art Towers of Langeland - A completely unique way to experiencing art
In Denmark’s Longest Lasting Art Exhibition spread out on 12 different towers, you can explore the many facets of art and see how different artist meeet the challenge, when the ”gallery” measures 1,5m x 1,5m and 8m to the ceiling!
No matter which season you come, you can visit the towers, since they are open all year round. We would actually encourage you to visit the in different seasons, because there is a difference between the experience on a summerday or a day in fall or the winter.