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Art as a Treasure Map
What if a painting were not just an image—but a treasure map?
That is the premise of Gådefulde Malerier (Enigmatic Paintings), a new art project launching on 18 April 2026 at Augustenborg Project. Combining exhibition, local history, and a physical treasure hunt, the initiative invites visitors to explore both the artworks and the surrounding landscape of Sønderborg.
The exhibition presents six monumental paintings by Danish artist Maibritt Lind Hansen. But these works are not only to be viewed—they are to be solved. Each painting contains hidden clues, symbols, and historical references that point to a specific location within Sønderborg Municipality, where a treasure has been buried. Those who decipher the works may find it.
Inspired by a Cult Phenomenon
The project draws inspiration from The Secret (1982), the American cult phenomenon in which author Byron Preiss hid twelve treasures across the United States and Canada. Clues were embedded in paintings and poems—and more than 40 years later, several treasures remain undiscovered.
This blend of art, mystery, and adventure inspired originators Søren Steen and Rasmus Meyer to create a Danish interpretation. Based in the Sønderborg area, they chose to root the project locally.
“We’ve long been fascinated by the idea of a physical treasure hunt that, unlike the digital experiences dominating everyday life, unfolds directly in the real world,” says Søren Steen. “It invites people to explore the city and landscape in a far more playful and engaging way.”
A Local Artist Behind the Mystery
To realise the project, the originators sought an artist capable of working on a large scale while embedding layered narratives and hidden clues. They selected Maibritt Lind Hansen, who was born and raised in Sønderborg.
Her work operates at the intersection of realism and symbolism. Familiar, everyday scenes are subtly disrupted by unexpected elements, creating tension and opening the works to multiple interpretations—an approach ideally suited to art that must also function as a coded map.
Over three years, Hansen created the six paintings featured in the exhibition. At first glance, they depict a dreamlike universe: a figure with a pig’s head, a mermaid gazing at her reflection, staircases ascending into the sky—and through a monumental female head. Beneath this imaginative surface lies a carefully constructed system of clues: symbols, details, and references to places, people, and stories from Sønderborg and its surroundings.
Together with six accompanying verses, the paintings form visual treasure maps guiding participants toward hidden locations.
“The works had to function on multiple levels—both as compelling images and as encoded maps,” says Maibritt Lind Hansen. “Integrating clues without making them obvious was a delicate balance. They are there—but only reveal themselves to those who truly look.”
For the artist, the project also holds a personal dimension:
“It has been a special experience to return to Sønderborg and see it with new eyes—exploring stories and details I overlooked before, and transforming them into a universe that both children and adults can discover.”
The exhibition also includes a series of sculptural objects connected to the paintings’ motifs, including a dragon’s egg, a royal orb, and a set of golden horns.
A Treasure Hunt Open to All
A real-world treasure hunt — no special equipment or prior knowledge required for Gådefulde Malerier (Enigmatic Paintings)
The hunt begins at the exhibition, where visitors must decode the six paintings using six accompanying verses. Crucially, it is not immediately clear which verse belongs to which painting—this is part of the challenge.
How it works:
- Study the paintings at the exhibition
- Match the six verses to the correct works
- Follow the clues to identify a location
- Search the terrain for a marked excavation area
- Dig in the right spot to uncover a key
- Register the key online to claim the prize
The nature of each treasure remains a secret until it is found.
The hunt continues until all six treasures are discovered—even beyond the exhibition period. All treasures are hidden within Sønderborg Municipality.
Practical Information
Opening: Saturday, 18 April 2026, 13:00–17:00
Venue: Augustenborg Project, Palævej 9, 6440 Augustenborg
The originators Søren Steen and Rasmus Meyer, together with artist Maibritt Lind Hansen, will be present at the opening.
Exhibition period: 18 April – 1 November 2026
Location: Augustenborg Project
Project by: Søren Steen and Rasmus Meyer, in collaboration with artist Maibritt Lind Hansen
Follow: Instagram @gaadefuldemalerier
Website: gaadefuldemalerier.dk (from 7 April)
The project is presented in collaboration with Sønderborg Municipality and supported by Sønderborg Municipality and the Fabrikant Mads Clausen Foundation. Press & Contact
For further information, interviews, or high-resolution images, please contact:
Press & Communications
Sophie Hardinger
sophie@madeinwonderland.dk
+45 28 19 79 11
Project Lead
Søren Steen
soren_steen@hotmail.com
+45 51 94 74 48
