Kirstine Roepstorff, ‘LIGHTNING ROD’, 2024

Kirstine Roepstorff , LIGHTNING ROD, 2024. Bronze, natural stones. Presented by 2112

About the Work

LIGHTNING ROD highlights a shift in our understanding of energy, exploring how it can be captured, stored, transformed and, most importantly, applied, for both destruction and creation. Roepstorff suggests that by refining what she refers to as our ‘inner technology’, we can unveil invisible aspects of existence.

The multi-part sculpture incorporates cast bronze forms and natural stones to symbolize a speculative potential of energy transfer. The artist poses the question: if lightning hit the bronze figures with enough force to crack open rocks, what revelations would emerge? Similarly, the installation contemplates the wisdom and skill needed to navigate energy. Through proportional reference, an elongated bronze conch shell evokes the human form, prompting consideration of what it might take for us to yield physically to the universe’s power, and to open up the stone’s potential along with our own. 

LIGHTNING ROD is part of Roepstorff’s ongoing project ‘Earth School’, which explores humanity’s place in an expanding and shifting world. Reflecting on our inability to navigate time and space, Roepstorff revisits ancient and forgotten techniques, such as the celestial navigation methods traditionally used by sailors to traverse oceans. Roepstorff likens such skills to an ‘inner technology’ that has been replaced by a modern reliance on external devices and systems. ‘Earth School’, embodies slow, visual poetry, inviting viewers to revive connection with the elemental forces that define our existence.

About the Artist

Kirstine Roepstorff (b. 1972, Denmark; lives and works in Skærbæk, Denmark) is a prolific artist working across mediums, including painting, sculpture and commissions in the public realm. Solo exhibitions include Museum Haus Konstruktiv, Zürich, CH (2019); Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen (2018); Trapholt, Kolding (2018); and the 57th Bienniale di Venezia representing Denmark, Venice (2017).

Most recently, Roepstorff has created several large-scale public art projects including BIB AU NATURA land art installation in Randers (2023); Cosmic Dance installation in the town square of Fjellhamar (2023); and Hydra parking house in Fredericia (2022). Her work is included in the permanent collection of Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Saatchi Gallery, London; National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo; and The Royal Museum of Fine Art, Copenhagen, among others. 

Frieze Sculpture is in The Regent’s Park, 18 September – 27 October 2024. No booking required, free and to all. 

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Further Information 

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Digital Guide

Bloomberg Connects is the Official Digital Guide to Frieze Sculpture. The Bloomberg Connects app offers exclusive content including audio guides by Fatos Üstek, Curator of Frieze Sculpture, and the exhibiting artists. To access the Official Digital Guide, search for Bloomberg Connects on Apple Store and Google Play.

^{Main image: Kirstine Roepstorff, LIGHTNING ROD, 2024. Bronze, natural stones. Presented by 2112}