Mamma's Bag, 2022 Alive and Kicking in Cph

The Dragon Spire of the old stock exchange Børsen (1623) was one of the most iconic, and to me, playful building accessories in Copenhagen (originally even shaped and equipped for fireworks).

Unfortunately it burned down in 2024. But Børsen still is one of the famous renaissance buildings of Chr. IV (1577-1648). And in 2019 a new statue was revealed in front, featuring him on top of his architecture - turned upside down.
A celebrated Danish King, in spite of his excessive drinking, witch hunting, and misjudgments in war, which drove the country to the verge of bankruptcy.

As it turns out – Mamma's bag paid the bills:

Dismissed from the court his widowed mother, Sophie of Mechlenburg (1557-1631), proved to be a magnificent business woman. Who by loans financed the disastrous economy of Chr. IV. And even so, died as the second richest person in Europe.

Mamma's bag has been an item in modern Danish Politics too: As hallmark of the former Minister of Economy, Marianne Jelved (R) – and the suspect luxury prop of Helle Thorning-Schmidt (S), our first female Prime Minister.

In other words – maybe it is time to turn another pedestal and put Mamma's Bag on top!‍

- Personally, I wouldn’t get far without it either!

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‍‍Thanks to Gry Jexen and her guest, Kalle Kühlmann, in the Podcast: Kvinde kend din historie S3/E1  
– And for spreading the word on Women's History!

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MATERIALS: Porcelain, stoneware, copper pipe, screws/copper nut

MEASUREMENTS (l/w/h): 30x30x135 cm

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Photo by Dorte Krogh

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Alive and Kicking in Copenhagen, 2022 is kindly supported by Danmarks Nationalbank's Anniversary Foundation, Danish Arts Foundation, Grosserer L.F. Foght's Foundation, Forbo Flooring A/S, Asp Produktudvikling A/S and SVFK, Danish Art Workshops

Awarded by Danish Arts Foundation; Grant Commitee for Crafts & Design

Exhibited at Officinet, 2022 Gallery/Project Space of Dkod - Danish Crafts & Design Association
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