Listen to Martin Halls ELIA composition

Elia in jutland

Elia on the heath It is both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking to stand here. What is the idea of all this grandiosity? Thus asked Mr Ivar Hansen, Speaker of the Danish Parliament, in a speech at the September 2001 inauguration of the colossal sculpture, Elia. He speculated that Elia might be a comment on the present or that, perhaps, it looks unfathomably into our future. Ivar Hansen gave the answer himself: Elia is exactly what we make of it. Art reaches out to the diversity of the individual.

Elia now stands with all its imposing might on what was previously a grain field in Birk, towering up, both in physical terms and by virtue of its artistic format. Since the turning of the first sod in May 2000, we had been able to view Elia on this page by clicking onto a web camera. This allowed us to follow the creation of the sculpture in sun and in rain, in calm and in storm. The sculpture is now a reality. It has already had many visitors to admire it and to explore its features. Its job done, our camera has been sent on other duties. To look at Elia now requires a visit to Herning.

The artist Ingvar Cronhammar is the man behind Elia. These pages will help you to gain an insight into who he is, and what Elia is.

Previous Editor in Chief (1982-2002) of Herning Folkeblad
Gorm Albrechtsen (1941-2015)

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Photo: Steen Gyldendal

INGVAR CRONHAM–MAR

Ingvar Cronhammar is the man behind Elia and has for many years made a distinctive mark at the Danish art landscape, both in public spaces and in museums. Ingvar is sculptor and stands behind numerous works such as Red Fall, The Gate, Juggernaut and Eye of the Shadow.

Cronhammar has been recognized several times for his work with. He has, for example, been awarded the Eckersberg Medaillen, Thorvaldsen Medaillen, the Knight Cross of the Dannebrogorden and has been awarded the State Art Foundation’s lifelong performance.

Cronhammar has a clear aim with his works. It should make us stop and invite to reflection. A work should not be explained, it is.

around Elia

What it took

60 meters in diameter, 10 meters wide stairs and 32 meters high. There are so many gigantic dimensions that it would take a smaller atomic bomb to remove Elia. Find out exactly what and how much it took to make Elia.

The creation

Many people, organizations and funds have been involved from the idea of Elia to it was finished. It’s a big project that many have contributed to. Here you can find those who have supported as well as sponsors.