Elverdans – granite in motion
In the heart of the creative district around Rosenbæk Torv in Odense, you'll find the sculpture Elverdans – a vivid meeting of fairy tales, granite, and city life. Here, art and H.C. Andersen merge in a modern visual language that can both be seen and felt.
Elverdans – granite in motion
The sculpture Elverdans was created by sculptor Johan Kallmayer and installed in Odense in 2004 in connection with the construction of the Bikuben student residence. Made from Swedish Bohus granite and black Swedish granite, the piece portrays a sensual and rhythmic dance that seems frozen in motion. It stands at Rosenbæk Torv in central Odense – an area shaped by art, history, and student life. Located close to the murmuring Rosenbæk stream, it’s an ideal stop on a walk through the city. The abstract form and its textured surface invite both visual reflection and physical touch – a quiet moment of connection in the middle of the city.
About the artist Johan Kallmayer
Johan W. Kallmayer (b. 1952) is a self-taught sculptor who has worked with stone as his preferred medium for many years. His works can be found in public spaces across Denmark and are known for their unique ability to unite organic and geometric forms. With Elverdans, he has created a sculpture that conveys both strength and lightness – a dance carved in stone that defies the material’s natural weight.
A fairy tale in granite – inspired by H.C. Andersen
The sculpture is inspired by H.C. Andersen’s dramatic piece The Elf Mound, in which elf maidens dance the night away under the moonlight in the stillness of the forest. Kallmayer’s interpretation is not a literal depiction, but rather a concentrated atmosphere – a tribute to the invisible, the magical, and the ever-moving. The flowing forms evoke motion and rhythm, and the sculpture radiates the mysterious and captivating qualities found in Andersen’s story. It’s more than a sculpture – it’s a bodily and sensory encounter with the fairy tale.
Explore the city’s art
Elverdans is part of the public art that enriches Odense’s urban space. Across the city, you’ll find sculptures, installations, and artistic features – some discreet, others more eye-catching. These works shape the city’s character and can be discovered in parks, squares, and along paths and streets. Take a moment to look around and let the city surprise you.