Copenhagen Court Rules Artist Must Return Loaned Funds
In a recent verdict, the Copenhagen court has ruled that artist Jens Haaning must return the majority of the loaned funds he received from the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, Denmark. The court noted that Haaning was provided with approximately 530,000 Danish krone ($76,000) to create updated versions of two of his previous artistic works for an exhibition on the future of labor. However, instead of delivering the expected artworks, Haaning sent the museum two empty frames with the title “Take the Money and Run,” claiming that these were new and improved pieces.
Haaning argued that his actions were intended to be a critical commentary on low wages and the value of artistic labor. As evidence of his intention, the museum exhibited the empty frames along with an email from Haaning explaining his unconventional approach. While the artist believed that his actions were justified as part of the overall artwork, the court ruling found these actions to be in violation of the loan agreement.
According to the court’s decision, Haaning is now obliged to return the majority of the loaned funds, with only 40,000 krone ($5,730) in fees deducted. The artist’s counter-claim that the museum had infringed on the copyright of his work was dismissed by the court.
In addition to returning the funds, Haaning has also been ordered to pay the legal costs associated with the proceedings. The Kunsten Museum’s director, Lasse Andersson, stated that the museum would hold off on making any further comments until they knew whether Haaning planned to appeal the court’s decision.
Interestingly, Haaning’s new artwork, which sparked the legal disputes, was still displayed as part of the museum’s ongoing “Work it Out” exhibition. The artist had argued that receiving payment for his work and covering expenses would have left him out of pocket, considering the costs of his studio and staff salaries.
As the case continues to draw attention, the art world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this intriguing clash between artistic expression and financial responsibility.
