stine goya curates ethereal pink universe at kunsten museum, exploring separation & longing

Stine Goya stages immersive exhibition at Kunsten Museum

Running until June 9th, 2025, the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg presents Stine Goya x Kunsten, a unique exhibition curated by celebrated fashion designer Stine Goya. Drawing from the museum’s extensive collection, Goya has carefully selected and staged works within a soft pink, immersive universe that merges art, design, and emotion. Titled Hvis du kan se det jeg ser (If you can see what I see), the exhibition delves into poignant themes of separation, longing, dreams, and desire, viewed through Goya’s personal lens.‘I chose separation as the theme because it’s something I really dislike—and also really love,’ she tells designboom.

Known for her distinctive use of color and texture, Goya transforms the gallery with heavy fabrics, soft drapery, and vibrant staging, crafting an intimate journey of personal and collective storytelling. The exhibition brings together renowned artists such as Lene Adler Petersen, Lucio Fontana, Geoffrey Hendricks, Kirsten Ortwed, and Elmgreen & Dragset, among others. Within this ethereal setting, visitors are invited to experience a sensory, aesthetic dialogue between the works, uncovering new emotional depths and connections.

all images courtesy of Andreas Bach

reflecting on separation, life, and death

Stine Goya handpicked the works included in the exhibition from Kunsten Museum’s collection of 4,000 works, focusing her selection on the pieces that resonated personally with her. In a conversation with designboom during the exhibition opening at the Aalborg museum, the Danish designer reflects thoughtfully on the themes and approach behind her exhibition, emphasizing the emotional resonance of separation and connection. She explains how the exhibition’s overarching theme of separation branches into sub-themes like life, death, motherhood, and community, guiding her intuitive curation.

For Goya, separation is an inevitable yet poignant part of life, whether in personal experiences like motherhood or in creative work. ‘I really don’t like when something lovely ends, or when I have to say goodbye—it’s something I’m very bad at. I have always been very emotional. But there’s also something very beautiful about finishing something and starting anew, which is another form of separation. I do it all the time with my work,’ she shares with designboom. ‘Also, when you give birth to a child, they immediately detach from you and become their own person. That individuality is beautiful. At the same time, I think about how the world is becoming closer and closer, yet also more polarized, and how we struggle to find ways that are good for us. These themes have touched me over the last couple of years.’

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg presents Stine Goya x Kunsten

A Delicate Balance Between Fashion and Art

Stine Goya deliberately avoided making the exhibition fashion-centric, instead bringing in bits and pieces of her world—such as fabric, staging techniques, and her signature pink hue—to create a calm, open space that allows each artwork to breathe and receive the attention it deserves. Known for her distinctive color palette, the designer describes pink as both a personal and practical choice. She notes its soothing qualities, often used in therapeutic settings, and its significance in her life and workspace. To deepen the personal connection, Goya includes embroidered descriptions of her interpretations, offering visitors insight into her thoughts on specific pieces.

‘I didn’t think it would be relevant to make the exhibition heavily focused on fashion. However, I wanted to bring in elements from my world and make them work within this context. Normally, when creating a collection, it’s very art historically driven or tied to an era, with walls filled with pieces. I wanted to open it up instead, creating space for each artwork to stand out on its own,’ she explains.

curated by celebrated fashion designer Stine Goya

visitors connect on a personal level

This collaboration represents Kunsten’s first step in its initiative to make art more accessible and engaging through interdisciplinary presentations. Chief curator Caroline Nymark Zachariassen describes the exhibition as a break from tradition, offering a ‘sensuous, aesthetic’ experience that deeply connects with visitors on a personal level. Director of Kunsten Lasse Andersson, adds, ‘Stine Goya’s work uniquely blends art with everyday aesthetics, making her the perfect partner for this bold venture.’ For Goya, the exhibition is the culmination of her lifelong passion for art and architecture.

When asked what she hopes visitors will take away from the exhibition, Stine Goya shares that she wants them to experience the pieces from a new perspective. ‘I hope they get the chance to look at this in a way they wouldn’t normally and see the pieces from a different point of view,’ she explains. She also hopes to offer a glimpse into her personal identity, not just her brand. ‘It’s something new for me—actually opening up to them,’ she admits. Goya is curious about the reactions and highlights the ‘backstage room’ in the exhibit, where visitors can explore iconic moments from her brand, as well as background stories and personal reflections on her past work. ‘These are little moments that I hope resonate,’ she adds.

the exhibition delves into poignant themes of separation, longing, dreams, and desire