Danish artist, called Jens Haaning, was given the astonishing amount of $84,000 by the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, Denmark to use in one of his artworks. Haaning did something unimaginable and gave the museum two blank canvases, representing his work called “Take the Money and Run”.
Contemporary artists have been long known for their bold moves and statements, transforming art into performances and showcasing powerful pieces.
The museum’s original idea was to ask Haaning to recreate two of his previous works, called “An Average Danish Annual Income” and “An Average Austrian Annual Income” both using money as a medium to reflect the average incomes of the two countries. Haaning signed a contract with the museum and was also promised an additional $6,000 if needed.
The money given to the artist is not his to keep, as the museum borrowed him the amount, which he would pay back once the exhibition closes in January 2022.
Since Haaning decided to switch the concept of the exhibition and gave the museum two blank canvases, it is still yet to be seen if will break the contract in 2022.
“The staff was very surprised when they opened the crates. I was abroad when the crates were opened, but suddenly received a lot of mails,” Andersson said.
When he finally saw “Take the Money and Run,” Andersson said he actually laughed. “Jens is known for his conceptual and activistic art with a humoristic touch. And he gave us that – but also a bit of a wake up call as everyone know wonders were did the money go,” he said.
The museum director said they’ll wait and see what Haaning does, but if the money is not returned on January 16, “we will of course take the necessary steps to ensure that Jens Haaning complies with his contract.”
He said they are in contact with Haaning, who he called a “well-respected and well-known artist in Denmark.” But they have yet to reach an agreement.
source: cbsnews.com
