MADELIN WILIAN
ØRESTAD NURSING HOME
LIFE IMPRINTS ON THE STAIRS
LIFE IMPRINT ON THE STAIRS
2019 Ørestad nursinghome. Art in public space.
Life Imprint on the Stairs’. The 21 paintings on the stairwell are paintings based on conversations with the residents living on each floor. The residents did also contribute, leaving their own marks, by painting on small canvases over a couple of weekly common meetings. .
Go exploring up the stairs! The project was supported by STATENS KUNSTFOND and KØBENHAVNS KOMMUNE
Foto: Camilla Schiøler
The residents did also contribute, leaving their own marks, by painting on small canvases over a couple of weekly common meetings.
Left: The small paintings to the right, hanging on perforated plate, is made by the residents.
LUNDTOFTEGADE
ART AND SOCIAL HOUSING
July 2022, I and 4 other artist colleagues,
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Halfdan Pisket
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Kongstad Studio
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Nils Elvebakk Skalegård
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Kasper Oppen Samuelsen
were commissioned to give life to staircases in Lundtoftegade on Nørrebro. Several residents expressed that they felt unsafe in destructive sorroundings, with decay and trash everywhere, while walking on the stairwells. There was daily vandalism and few wanted to use the stairs. The housing association took the initiative to create art with resident involvement. The residents of the 5 initially selected stairwells could choose the artist themselves, as well as show up to meetings and communicate their own wishes and thoughts with the artist in relation to the form and content of the art.
TV Lorry did a news feature here ( in danish) :
and an article here:
https://www.tv2lorry.dk/koebenhavn/utrygge-opgange-paa-noerrebro-har-faaet-nyt-liv-det-aendrer-alt
MURAL AT NUUKS SQUARE, COPENHAGEN
2015
A Mural for Byens Hegn.
30 m of Forget me not flowers and birds.
The Lyric is by Charles Boudelaire.
The mural existed for one year.
Supported by Flügger.
ABOUT MY ART IN PUBLIC SPACES
By Madelin Wilian
"As an artist deeply influenced by my upbringing in the cohousing project Skråplanet, and inspired by the likes of Poul Gernes and Wassily Kandinsky, my approach to decorating public spaces with colorful and contrast-rich murals is rooted in collaboration and community interaction. Growing up as the daughter of Jan Gudmand-Høyer, the architect of cohousing, I learned the value of cooperation and shared ownership from an early age.
For me, art is not just about self-expression; it's a catalyst for connection and dialogue. When I embark on a project to decorate a public space, I see it as an opportunity to engage with the community and invite them into the creative process. After all, these spaces belong to everyone, and it's essential that everyone feels represented and involved.
Drawing inspiration from artists who have used color and contrast to evoke emotion and stimulate thought, I believe that art has the power to transform not only physical environments but also social dynamics. By incorporating vibrant hues and intricate patterns into my murals, I aim to create spaces that not only catch the eye but also spark curiosity and foster a sense of belonging.
Throughout my work, I actively seek input from the people who will inhabit these spaces. Whether it's through community workshops or open forums, I want to ensure that my art reflects the diverse voices and experiences of those who will interact with it. By inviting collaboration, I hope to create murals that resonate deeply with the community and inspire meaningful connections.
Ultimately, my goal is to use art as a tool for positive change, bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the rich tapestry of human experience. In a world that often feels divided, I believe that art has the power to unite us, reminding us of our shared humanity and our collective ability to create beauty and meaning in the world."