The exhibition presents a selection of works from the Art Museum’s collection. It offers a glimpse into a long period of time and demonstrates the breadth of the collection, with the earliest works dating from the 18th century and the most recent from the present day.

An art collection and its contents are not static or fixed, but are constantly evolving and changing over time. New works of art are added, while older works are revisited, offering opportunities for historical reflection as well as creating space for contemporary interpretations and readings. When works from different periods, made using different materials and techniques, come together in a new context, a synergy emerges in which the works bring new life and meaning to one another.

A critical examination of a collection’s contents raises questions of representation. Traditionally, white male artists have been well represented in museum collections, reflecting both their historical context and broader societal and social power structures. Today, broadening representation and adopting a norm-critical perspective are conscious strategies in the development of a more nuanced collection. This approach is also reflected in the museum’s work with public art in the city.