THEn Denmark we do not speak of anything else: The “great siren” of the Fort of Dragørimposing sculpture of 4 meters for 6 and 14 tons of weight, will be removed. It is not the minute sirenette symbol of Copenhagen, but her older and more bursting sister, ended up at the center of a bright debate which intertwines contemporary art, perception of the female body and protection of the historical heritage. The decision of the Danish agency for culture has turned on the controversies, with conflicting positions by critics, journalists and politicians.
The controversial story of the “great siren” statue of Dragør
Created by the sculptor Peter Bech in 2006 and initially placed near the edge of Edvard Eriksen, The “big siren” was born to respond to tourists’ complaints who judged the original icon too small. Even then, however, his prosperous breasts and the abundant forms divided public opinion. Considered vulgar by the residents, it came Moved in 2018 to the Fort of Dragør.
Never Mind The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. I Found Her Big Sister Today in Dragør. pic.twitter.com/BQYC3HI4RR
– Leedsatsea (@David_c68) November 5, 2023
The accusations of vulgarity and pornography to the “great siren”
The case is re -elected after the complaint of a citizen who defined the “pornographic” statue is unsuitable for a historical context. The art critic of PolitikenMathias Kryger, has stamped him as “ugly and pornographic”. The journalist Sorine Gotfredsen wrote in the Danish newspaper Berlingske: «Erigate a statue that represents the A daring dream of a man on how a woman should appear It will hardly favor the acceptance of their body by many women ».
Of the opposite opinion is aMINATE CORR THRANEeditor of Berlingske: according to the journalist, the concentration on the breast of sculpture is An act of body shaning: “Should the naked female breasts have a specific form and academic dimension in order to be shown in public?”. Also observed that the “Great Sirena” is “probably a little less naked” than the original little mermaidbut with a bigger breast, “and that’s probably the problem lies”.
“Great siren”, the defense of the sculptor Peter Bech
Bech decisively rejects the accusations: “The siren has completely normal proportions in relation to its size. Of course, the breast is large as a corpulent woman ». Reiterates that the work is loved by many inhabitants and touristsand claims the nickname “great siren”. He had even proposed to donate it to the Municipality to leave it in the city, but the offer has been refused.
The definitive decision of the Culture Agency
The police filed the complaint, but The culture agency has however ordered the removaljudging it incompatible with the atmosphere of the 1910 fort. The politician Paw Karslund criticized the choice: «I simply think that the argument that the statue is ugly and pornographic is too primitive. We shouldn’t be so afraid of a couple of breasts».
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