JØRGEN CLEVIN

Draw, Build and Play

Museum Jorn invites children, parents, and grandparents into the wonderful universe of Jørgen Clevin, where children's imagination and creative play are the driving forces.

As an illustrator, children’s author, and TV presenter, Jørgen Clevin (1920-1993) captivated generations of children over the course of four decades. From the popular classic Strudsen Rasmus from 1945,and series such as Jakob og Joakim and Kom og Se to his beloved activity books, from which children and adults could draw, build, cut, and create together. During his lifetime, Clevin published no less than 130 books for children.

In Clevin’s universe, creativity is neither lofty nor difficult – it is something families share. Curiosity and the urge to create are allowed to flourish freely, and no one is ever too old to join in. With a few lines, milk cartons, cardboard tubes, and a little imagination, the whole world can be created anew.

As part of Danmarks Radio (DR) from the 1950s onwards, Clevin appeared in more than 3.000 broadcasts until his death in 1993, showing how everyday objects could be transformed into imaginative figures, animals, and games. At the same time, he spent 43 years working as an art teacher at a school in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, where he taught Museum Jorn’s first director, Troels Andersen.

Build a City with Clevin

The exhibition takes visitors on a colorful journey into a piece of Danish cultural history, where imagination and creativity are the driving forces. For the first time, Jørgen Clevin’s universe is brought toegether in a presentation featuring original illustrations and video clips.

Inspired by Clevin’s imaginative world, visitors can experience the joy of working together to create a large city built from milk cartons and other recycled materials. In the open workshop of the museum, the city will continue to grow throughout the exhibition period.

Special thanks to Lotte Clevin, Janne Clevin, and Emil Juul Clevin for their collaboration. Thanks to Tetra Pak for supporting the realization of the exhibition.