Portrait of Niklas Korsgaard Christensen, courtesy of Plesner
Photo by Jeppe Carlsen
How did Plesner decide to start collecting art? How did that conversation come up?
We have a long history of being engaged in various art institutions in Denmark and with that came an interest into supporting the art community and important cultural institutions in Denmark.
Many of our partners are very interested in the Danish art scene and have been so for many years.
Superflex, Free Beer, 2007
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and BORCH Editions
What do you see as being the main benefits of Plesner starting a corporate collection? Who is it for?
We are not per se collecting art but are buyers of art for various reasons. We like art that underlines the firm that we are; We like art that gives food for thought; and we like art that will support the environment and look of our corporate offices located centrally in Copenhagen.
Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen, Blood Feathers, 2020
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and Andersen's
How do the worlds of art and law overlap?
I believe understanding and interpreting art is an intellectual exercise where both understanding history, symbolism, intentions and creativity is important.
It is very similar to the work of a great lawyer - interpretating and imagining the best possible solution for your clients.
Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen, Blood Feathers, 2020
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and Andersen's
Which factors guide Plesner’s decisions in choosing which artists to add to the collection?
We like modern, forward-looking and thought provoking artists. We see ourselves and the firm as very commercial and non-conservative so we like the artists to underline that corporate narrative.
Per Bak Jensen, Vand lll, Basel, Schweiz, 2000
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and Galleri Bo Bjerggaard
Does the company have a preference between collecting pre-existing works, shown at a gallery for example, and commissioning new site-specific works?
No - we do not have a preference. It is all about the work itself.
Installation view of works by Per Bak Jensen
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and Galleri Bo Bjerggaard
How do you see the collection developing and what will happen to it in the future?
We will collect on an ongoing basis for our offices. We are the largest business law firm in Copenhagen and have more than 20,000 sqm of office space so we have plenty of walls to use.
Peter Funch, High Noon, 2010
Courtesy of the artist, Plesner and V1 Gallery
"We like modern, forward-looking and thought-provoking artists. We see ourselves and the firm as very commercial and non-conservative so we like the artists to underline that corporate narrative."
Managing Partner at Plesner
Niklas Korsgaard Christensen is the Managing Partner of Plesner and advises on the implementation of large complex projects, transfers and dispute resolution in the practice areas energy, infrastructure and construction.
Niklas is a certified arbitrator and holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge. He has considerable teaching experience and has been an external lecturer at the University of Copenhagen. Niklas is the Managing Partner of Plesner (since March 2021) and a member of Plesner's Board of Director (since 2018).
