Can two blank canvases be considered art? Can anything be deemed art as long as one can justify its existence? These are the central questions provoked by Jens Haaning’s work — two empty canvases conspicuously missing the cash that was loaned to him by the museum. Some may call it a gimmick or outright theft, but one cannot deny that it is a bold, humorous and thought-provoking statement on the nature of art and value itself.

Take the Money and Run follows Haaning after his radical act caused chaos around the globe. Instead of categorizing Haaning definitively, the documentary presents a complex and fascinating portrait, revealing multiple facets of the artist only to further intrigue the audience. Is Jens Haaning a provocateur, an artist or a thief? And what were his true motives for keeping the money? While the film sheds light on the mysteries behind his audacious act, it becomes even more compelling in its exploration of the legal battles that followed, raising larger questions about artistic ownership, media influence and the evolving definitions of originality and authenticity.—Frédéric Boyer

Ole Juncker