ABOUT THE SCULPTURE

At the square in front of St Nicholas Church the visitor is greeted by Rook Takes Bishop, created by the Norwegian artist Magne Furuholmen.

The title, the shape, the combination of black and white, and the chequered foundation are all miming elements from a chess set.  To put it simply, one could speak of good and evil opposite each other in a chess-like position. The two sculptures interact. They might even depend on each other.

Neighbouring the church, the sculpture might also invite reflections on light and dark, life and death – or perhaps the historical balance of power between the church and the secular world?

Graphics, print, and letters inspire Furuholmen and words and signs are often incorporated in his works. The stamped fragments of text and letters add an extra poetic and mysterious layer of meaning to the sculptures.

Magne Furuholmen is also well-known as keyboard player in the famous pop group A-ha.  Today, he is one of Norway’s most acknowledged artists.

Magne Furuholmen, Rook Takes Bishop, 2017
Stoneware, one firing, 197, ø 45 cm
The CLAY Collection
Donation from A.P. Møller Foundation