Ovartaci – I started as a bird of paradise

Art That Refuses to Be Confined
Ovartaci – born Louis Marcussen – is one of the most compelling figures in Danish art history. At Brandts in Odense, her work finally takes centre stage. This is art that defies conventions and limitations, insisting on freedom of imagination, form and expression.

A Visual Journey Through Inner Worlds
The exhibition Ovartaci – I Started as a Paradise Bird features nearly 100 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and poems. Her visual universe is filled with flying creatures, hybrid beings and dreamlike forms that exist somewhere between the human and the mythical. The works invite visitors into an alternative world shaped by creativity, longing and vitality.

A Place in Art History
Ovartaci’s talent was recognised early on by artists like Asger Jorn and Jean Dubuffet – both represented in the exhibition – but only in recent years has her work gained broader recognition. Her self-taught style and imaginative approach place her within the art brut tradition, while her surreal aesthetic also connects her to the Cobra movement.

Gaining Global Attention
This exhibition at Brandts coincides with a growing international interest in Ovartaci’s art. Her work has been shown at major institutions and is now presented alongside artists such as Salvador Dalí and Francis Bacon. Brandts brings together both celebrated and rediscovered pieces, offering a rare opportunity to experience her full creative range.

Let the Art Speak
While Ovartaci’s life was shaped by institutional boundaries, it is through her art that her story is truly told. Her works resonate with strength, sensitivity and remarkable visual clarity.
Let yourself be drawn in – and let the art speak for itself.