"Kildestene" (The Source Stones)

Artist: Jan Axel Starup
Installed: 1991

Note: When ’Kildestene’ was first installed in what is now the Town Hall gardens, the gardens belonged to Rudkøbing Hospital.

The Friends of Rudkøbing Hospital Association was founded in 1973 and from 1982 they presented a gift to the hospital every year. On the occasion of the 10th presenation in 1991, it was thought that the gift should be a little larger, therefore the Langeland artist Jan Axel Starup was invited to create a work of art. This work can still be see in the Town Hall Gardens, which today is designated as a garden for art and biodiversity.

Jan Axel Starup

Jan Axel Starup lived on Langeland from 1969 until his death in February 2024. He took an exploratory approach to his artistic practice and worked in a range of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, video art and sculpture.

Starup himself compared his working method to that of an explorer in the jungle who, with no guarantee of a useful result, is undeterred and driven forward by an inner force. Perhaps he succeeds in gaining insight – perhaps not. It is therefore essential to the creative process that the artist spends time exploring his peripheral areas – advancing in his work by constantly pushing beyond new personal boundaries.

You can read more about Axel Starup's works here.