A new special display uses a sound collage of contemporary conversations and discussions to explore works from the SMK collections that depict people of African descent or can be linked to Denmark’s past as a colonial ruler.

Experience a soundscape where researchers, academics, curators and picture activists have present-day conversations about the works exhibited. Get new perspectives on familiar works of art we thought we knew so well. And delve into stories that have hitherto lain unspoken in art works by C.W. Eckersberg, Astrid Holm, Nicolai Abildgaard and Jens Juel.

The centenary of the sale of the three islands to the USA in 1917 has prompted SMK, working in co-operation with the Royal Library in Copenhagen and the Living Archives research project, to take a fresh look at some of the works in the museum’s collection.

The exhibition includes works from the SMK collections that represent people of African descent, or can be linked to Denmark’s colonial history.

The exhibition is based on a soundscape created by art historian Temi Odumosu from Living Archives.

She has used recordings from workshops featuring researchers, academics, curators and picture activists to create a sound collage out of present-day conversations about the works exhibited. These voices offer alternative approaches to familiar works of art we think we know so well, unfolding stories that have hitherto lain unspoken.

The exhibition also shows works selected and presented by the museum’s curators. The preparations for this exhibition unearthed new insights and shifts in how we perceive familiar works from the museum’s collection.

Past studies of the works exhibited here have focused on the history of the Danish families involved. With What Lies Unspoken SMK also wishes to consider the works from the perspective of enslaved people – an aspect that has so far been overlooked.