Jakob Martin Strid

Look forward to an extraordinary journey into the enchanting universe of Danish cartoonist, author, and visual artist Jakob Martin Strid (b. 1972). The exhibition presents 15 years of work through more than 80 large-format original drawings from the cartoonist's wonderful new book ‘Den fantastiske bus’ (The Fantastic Bus). It has already been described as a masterpiece in Danish drawing art and won the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize 2024.

In the exhibition, you get a unique insight into Strid's artistic process. You also get a unique opportunity to get up close to his distinctive works through the largest museum presentation of Jakob Martin Strid to date.

“Those who truly know the harshness of the world cling to the light,” says Strid, and with the exhibition's images, he takes us on a road trip through incredible landscapes, into the stratosphere, and further to the mythical land of Balanka to save little Timo. Along the way, it’s a tribute to imagination and friendships.

The funny and moving story of the fantastic bus is carried by a flourishing language and an original expression that appeals as strongly to adults as to children. The drawings, which are up to several meters wide, are pieced together from several sheets of paper and executed by hand with watercolor paint, acrylic markers, pencil, and ink.

Jakob Martin Strid stands on the shoulders of international legends such as Bill Watterson, Charles Schulz, Astrid Lindgren, Tove Jansson, and Hayao Miyazaki, and at the same time, he carries on the Danish tradition with renewed vigor in a direct line from Storm P. over Claus Delauran and Ib Spang Olsen to Rune T. Kidde.

”Of all Strid’s drawings, these are the first that have given me a thrill: He is truly one of the greats.” – Weekendavisen

The exhibition is created in close collaboration with Jakob Martin Strid, Gyldendal, and Copenhagen Contemporary.