Exploring the dialogue between art, design and hospitality, Unfolding stillness is a collaborative exhibition between Ark Journal’s gallery Ark Kollekt, &Tradition and Petra Hotel. Available to see until the end of May, the installation brings together artworks by four contemporary female artists.
“We have curated a selection of unique paintings and ceramic pieces by four female artists, each working with intentional imperfection and attentive making. Across different media, the works balance rhythm and stillness, geometry and gesture, control and unpredictability. Materials carry memory, processes remain visible, and meaning unfolds over time through repetition, restraint, and duration.” – Ark Journal / Ark Kollekt.
Located on the ground floor of Petra Hotel, with interiors by &Tradition, the artworks mingle and merge with the everyday rhythm of the hotel. New arrivals check in, guests enjoy breakfast, and locals stop by for a drink, all while encountering the works as an integrated part of the space. Rather than existing as a traditional gallery display, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the art as a natural extension of daily life, encouraging unexpected moments of discovery and interaction.
Rooted in a mutual appreciation for thoughtful design, &Tradition and Petra Hotel’s collaboration began in 2025, when &Tradition partnered with the hotel to design the interior of Petra, supplying furniture throughout the hotel exclusively from the &Tradition collection. From public spaces to guest rooms, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to create environments that feel both timeless and lived-in, where classic and contemporary pieces sit naturally within a historic setting, designed by Danish architect Kay Fisker.
The new exhibition, the first in an upcoming series, extends this partnership into the realm of contemporary art, adding deeper layers of meaning and experience for hotel and restaurant guests, as well as local visitors stopping by for a coffee.
A list of exhibiting artists and their backgrounds is included below.
Camilla Reyman
Danish artist Camilla Reyman, based in Copenhagen, presents four paintings created with pigment and acrylic on canvas. Her work draws on cultural history through a recognisable visual language, combining strict geometric structures with the unpredictability of organic pigment. The resulting compositions are calm, precise and timeless.
Alicia Gimeno
Barcelona-based artist Alicia Gimeno contributes a selection of paintings informed by Eastern calligraphy and philosophy. Approaching painting as a form of expression beyond language, her practice centres on gesture, movement and the physical act of mark-making. Through restrained brushstrokes and careful use of negative space, her works reference concepts such as wabi-sabi and ma, where imperfection and absence allow meaning to emerge.
Bente Østergaard Sørensen
Ceramic artist Bente Østergaard Sørensen presents sculptural works informed by the raw, coastal landscapes of the North Sea where she resides, near Aarhus. Rooted in technical experimentation, her practice ensures that no two pieces are alike. Traces of hands and tools remain visible, preserving a tactile quality within a controlled process. Nature and material are allowed to influence the outcome, giving each work its own distinct character.
Lise Bang Pedersen
Artist Lise Bang Pedersen presents works on canvas made from reused record covers, transformed into layered visual narratives. While the music is silent, the material retains its history through surface, rhythm and repetition. Working with materials that have lived a former life, Bang Pedersen explores recontextualisation and reuse, allowing raw and refined elements to coexist within each composition.
’Unfolding stillness’ is exhibiting at Petra Hotel until the end of May. Visitors can stop by Petra Hotel to view the artworks and stay to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. If guests would appreciate more time to engage with the artworks, staying for a meal at Petra Bar & Restaurant is possible, dependent on availability. If guests would prefer a guaranteed table, they are encouraged to book on the Petra Bar & Restaurant page ahead of time.
All artworks are available for sale on ark-kollekt.com.
About &Tradition
Founded in 2010 in Copenhagen, &Tradition is an international brand, built on a Danish legacy of craftsmanship and design. We tell stories with originality. Whether our starting point is new or re-issued, we are passionate about designing the classics of tomorrow. We believe in empowering our employees and network of creatives, designers and partners to take an active part in our journey as a brand. With the planet and the people at the core, we strive to always act conscientiously.
About Petra Hotel
Petra is a four-star boutique hotel located on Dronningens Tværgade in Copenhagen’s vibrant city centre. Adjacent to the King’s Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Petra occupies a former guest house originally known as Christian IV. Designed by celebrated Danish architect Kay Fisker, it reflects the principles of Danish functionalism with its clean lines, thoughtful proportions and enduring materials.
Petra’s interior has been thoughtfully curated by &Tradition with classic and contemporary designs from its collection. Encompassing an eclectic mix of furniture, lighting and objects that bridge the gap between past and present
About Copenhagen Design Hotels
Founded by Jeppe Mühlhausen and Gitte Beha Smed, Copenhagen Design Hotels is dedicated to offering distinctive accommodations that blend heritage with contemporary luxury. Petra Hotel joins their esteemed portfolio, including the renowned Hotel Alexandra, in redefining hospitality in Copenhagen.
Ark Journal / Ark Kollekt
Ark Kollekt is Ark Journal’s gallery, a catalyst for creative exchanges and a showcase for the results of those interactions. At its heart are collections of limited-edition or one-off pieces, drawing on expert knowledge, innate aesthetic sensibility and deep relationships with creators from all over the world.