Duane Hanson @ Arken

Sculptures of the American Dream

"Why not look at this guy sitting right next to me, what’s going on, what I see on the TV and in the newspaper," Duane Hanson said of his work. And that is exactly what he did: Throughout more than thirty years he created art which in a very tangible and concrete manner shows ‘the guy next to him’ and the America surrounding him.

With satire, humour and compassion Duane Hanson puts a human face on the American Dream: that of the bodybuilder, the cowboy, the pensioner, etc.

He was especially fascinated by old people, big people and workmen; by wrinkles, furrows and scars who speak of the life that has been lived. He explored the stories written in the body.

All of spring 2007 ARKEN presents 22 of Hanson’s lifelike sculptures and nine sculpture parts.

In connection with the exhibition Hatje Cantz has put out a fully illustrated book. The book is on sale in the museum shop at DKK 199 and in ARKEN's museum shop online.