Langeland Visitor Centre: ‘Places’ – Alfio Bonanno

Alfio Bonanno - Places

‘Every place has its own story. If I am patient, something happens. After a few days or a few hours, I never know how long it will take, I connect with the place, and it tells me what to do. The key is there – I just have to find it.’

– Alfio Bonanno

Alfio Bonanno is best known for his work with Land Art – both within and outside Denmark. However, his artistic work spans a wide range and includes painting, installation, photography and performance. The exhibition Places at the Langeland Visitor Centre presents a cross-section of his extensive work.

Art on nature's terms

Land Art emerged in the 1960s as a counter-reaction to commercialisation and institutional art. Artists moved out into nature and let the landscape be their co-creator. This is precisely how Bonanno works – whether he is creating in nature or in his studio.

The site-specific is a common thread throughout his work – both concrete and metaphysical. This can be seen in the works from Lampedusa, from the ‘Island of Death’, from Etna and from Langeland.

Langeland as an artistic home

‘For me, once a place feels ‘right’, the project is born in that particular place.

That's how it was with Langeland. Alfio came to the island in 1975 and has since been a central figure in the island's art scene. He was the driving force behind the art exhibitions in the 1970s and 80s and founded TICKON in Tranekær – a landmark for site-specific art in Denmark.

In May 2025, Alfio was named an honorary citizen of Langeland. Places is a tribute and a thank you to an artist who has left a lasting mark on the landscape and the community.

An exhibition in motion

Places begins at the Langeland Visitor Centre in Rudkøbing, but spreads from there into the urban space and on to TICKON at Tranekær Castle. The audience is invited on a journey through Alfio's art across both place and time.

See opening hours (follows the opening hours of the Langeland Visitor Centre)