In Copenhagen this Tuesday, an exhibition opened that centers on Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923) and his luminous canvases. Titled Light in Motion, the show draws a thread between the Valencian master and five contemporary Spanish artists who respond to his use of light with their own visions. The result is a dialogue across generations that invites visitors to rethink color, movement, and perception on canvas.
Critics described the collection as a magnificent tribute to Sorolla, highlighting the way the works illuminate the space for Danish audiences. To experience these paintings in person, visitors should head to the Glyptoteket, the central museum in the heart of Copenhagen that houses this powerful dialogue between past and present.
Soledad Sevilla, Juan Uslé, Miquel Barceló, Miki Leal, and Belén Rodríguez each selected a Sorolla piece to pair with their own works for a face to face display. The range spans from Adelfas de La Malvarrosa to Grandma and her Grandchild in the Valley of Ansó, including a portrait that captures a moment of shared humanity across time. The curation underscores how Sorolla’s sunlit optimism resonates in modern practices, while inviting new viewers to discover textures, rhythms, and stories embedded in the paint.
passion for light
The Valencian master is celebrated for his unwavering fascination with light, a passion he carried into collaborations with other contemporary Danish painters, including PS Kroyer. The exhibition forms part of a broader visit program tied to the Spanish royalty’s official trip to Denmark. The Danish Sorolla collection closes its run tomorrow, inviting late arrivals to witness the enduring appeal of illuminated composition.
King Felipe VI of Spain emphasized enduring ties between Spain and Denmark, noting that the historical and current connections enrich both nations and point toward shared futures. In a post-dinner moment addressed to Queen Margrethe after a reception at Christiansborg Palace, the king thanked the Danish royal family for their warm hospitality during the visit. The gracious exchanges reflected the strong bonds between royal households and between the two peoples.
King Felipe also highlighted solid foundations for ongoing collaboration in culture, science, and business. The morning gathering with the business community underscored the growing interest from Spanish and Danish companies to partner on initiatives in health, research, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The atmosphere at the dinner and across meetings illustrated a mutual curiosity and a practical will to pursue joint endeavors as EU partners.
As the visit progressed, the sense of shared respect and friendship between the two nations was palpable. The celebrations and conversations reinforced a narrative of mutual curiosity about art, innovation, and community welfare. A closing toast reflected a deep affection between the two royal families, and a broad, enduring appreciation among governments and citizens alike for the collaborative spirit that has long defined Spain and Denmark’s relations.
Throughout the program, the emphasis remained on how light and color can bridge cultures. The images on display remind audiences that art is not only a record of a moment but a living conversation that travels across borders, inviting new interpretations while honoring historical achievements. The Copenhagen event thus serves not only as a retrospective of Sorolla but also as a contemporary forum where Spanish and Danish artists explore common ground through shared aesthetics and purpose. .