AabenraaOrgan

AabenraaOrgan (2022) was created as part of the public art commission in the Nørreport area of Aabenraa, Denmark.

AabenraaOrgan is a sculptural and interactive sound piece that is installed in a small passageway of the main shopping street. A series of 6 copper organ pibes are placed along the buildings of passageway and illuminated at night. The pibes are connected to two sensors registrating the interaction in the passageway - both human and non-human - following a certain level of interaction, the coming and going in the passageway, the pibes are automatically turned on and begin to play the chorus of the anti-war song Give Peace a Chance written by John Lennon (originally credited to Lennon-McCartney, 1969).

AabenraaOrgan (2022)
Copper organ pibes, aluminium, LED, LED-driver, fan, sensor

Credits
Organ builder: Marcussen & Søn
LED and programming: Studio Temporal

AabenraaOrgan is funded by Danish Arts Foundation, Den Jyske Kunstfond, BHJ Fonden and Aabenraa Kommune’s Art Council.

AabenraaOrgan (2022) draws inspiration from the historical organ pipe, an instrument traditionally associated with indoor settings and religious contexts. However, by placing the organ pipes outdoors and inviting passersby and those present to play them, Nymann shifts our focus to the present, emphasizing the agency of individuals within public spaces. By creating a framework for interaction, AabenraaOrgan encourages us to pause, listen, and participate in collective movements for peace amid the routines of everyday life.

The song Give Peace a Chance (Lennon-McCartney, 1969) was chosen by Nymann not only for its timeless message but also to reflect the specific historical moment in which the artwork was created—at the onset of the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine in February 2022. Additionally, the work resonates with the unique historical context of the Aabenraa region, a place marked by numerous conflicts over the shifting border between Denmark and Germany.

Looking ahead, other composers may be invited to create new melodies for the sound installation. This openness to change and collaboration allows the work to evolve over time, exploring how we form collective memories and imagine shared futures.

More information on the public art decoration can be found via Creator Projects here and Aabenraa Kommune here.