Heerup and nature is a research project that explores and recontextualises the work and artistic practice of the Danish artist Henry Heerup (1907–1993) through a combination of the classical concept of the pastoral and contemporary ecocritical theory. Using the pastoral tradition and ecocritical perspectives as complementary as well as critical frameworks, the project examines and synthesises key aspects of Heerup’s oeuvre, including prints, stone sculpture, painting, and sculptures made from discarded materials, alongside his artistic persona, social networks, and creative practice. Building on these investigations, the project considers Heerup’s art in relation to current environmental and climate challenges, creating new spaces for reflection and dialogue.
