Why a row has broken out over a ‘pornographic' statue
The 13ft tall statue, unveiled in Copenhagen in 2006 and later moved to Dragør Fort in 2018, has long been controversial due to its exaggerated figure and large breasts.
Denmark's agency for palaces and culture concluded that the statue does not align with the cultural heritage of the 1910-era fort, prompting its decision for removal.
Journalist Sorine Gotfredsen described the statue as 'a man's hot dream of what a woman should look like', while art critic Mathias Kryger labelled it 'ugly and pornographic'.
Peter Bech, the statue's designer, defended his creation, asserting that the breasts are a 'proportional size' for a large woman and that the artwork attracts tourists.
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The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Invisibility is the new radical position': artist Rose Nolan on avoiding social media and slowing us down
The Melbourne-based artist Rose Nolan has worked exclusively in a palette of red and white since the 1990s, a decision she describes as 'liberating'. When she stopped thinking about colour, Nolan suddenly found she had more head space for her practice which, over 40 years, has spanned a remarkable range of mediums, from colossal public artworks to small architectural models, wall paintings, banners and flags, and self-published books and pamphlets. You might have traipsed across her terrazzo-emblazoned floor work All Alongside of Each Other on the concourse of Sydney's Central station. Or gazed upwards at the towering words Enough-Now/Even/More-so on the exterior of Melbourne's Munro Community Hub near Queen Victoria Market. It was in the late 1970s when, fresh from a tiny Catholic girls' convent, Nolan entered the Victorian College of the Arts and went on to become a driving force behind the now legendary artist-led collective Store 5, an artistic crucible that shaped the work of some of Australia's leading contemporary artists. Between 1989 and 1993 the collective staged 150 exhibitions in the storage space behind a Greek cake shop on Chapel Street. 'It was very sex, drugs and rock'n'roll,' Nolan says of the period. 'Over that four-year period, everybody's work really developed. And we all had so many relationships going on … It wasn't always easy, none of those group situations are, but it was really exciting. 'It might sound inflated but it did feel like we were making history … It was a moment in time.' Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Nolan, diminutive and dressed in black, is curled up on her couch in Richmond. Around us are relics of a life spent immersed in Melbourne's contemporary art scene; works by her friend Kathy Temin and her late mentor John Nixon punctuate hundreds of art books and ephemera. Her two cats, Dennis and Lillee (her partner is a cricket nut), meander between houseplants and climb on to the mid-century furniture. Nolan's house itself is an artwork: designed by OOF! Architecture, the Victorian-era cottage has been refashioned into a white rectangle that spells out HELLO on its brick facade. When I arrive there are gawkers taking photos of it. It's all over Instagram. 'This happens a bit,' she says. Nolan is not on any social media. When I ask why, she replies: 'I know myself well enough to know that I could go down a complete rabbit hole, and I haven't got the time. Invisibility is the new radical position – I feel like I'm in a parallel universe not being on it. 'My life is very analogue. As is my practice.' Nolan's way of working is not only analogue, it's exacting and, at times, exhausting. She has long worked with tactile and humble materials including hessian and cardboard, eschewing methods that might be considered time-saving in favour of cutting thousands of shapes by hand. This method has left her injured, she has even required surgery on her hands. But she believes that the labour embedded in the work transfers to viewers, making them slow down to take it all in. It's clear, from both her mien and her work, that what she's trying to invoke is a sense of presence and connection. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Hence the title of her new exhibition, Breathing Helps, which is curated by Dr Victoria Lynn, and opens this week at TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville. It's an evocative title and a helpful prompt but also a tongue-in-cheek reminder to Nolan to take stock as she embarked on the monumental project. The exhibition is less a retrospective survey and more an immersive experience that will unfold through the capacious gallery space; viewers are invited to walk through the large-scale works, observe them overhead and even peer down on them from above. It marks the first time these towering works have been shown together, along with some new commissions. Nolan has invited the artist Shelley Lasica to create a series of dance performances that will be staged in the exhibition. The influence of Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger is visible in her works. Nolan made several trips to Russia in the 1980s and has a longstanding interest in Russian constructivism. She agrees that Kruger and Holzer are in there but says that, unlike their works, her words are not didactic. She plucks text from a dizzying array of sources – a snippet of conversation overheard at a cafe, a self-help book, some art theory. She looks for meandering, gently motivating phrases with a rhythm that might be transformed into an experience that can slow down time. 'The text and the time spent making becomes part of the latent energy within the work,' she says. 'And that becomes an elusive presence that gets extended to the viewer. You can't get in one grab. You have to take the time, you have to slow down.' Rose Nolan: Breathing Helps is at TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville, Victoria, until 9 November 2025
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Crown Prince Christian of Denmark, 19, is caught smooching daughter of former Army captain at music festival - and the rumoured couple have even 'enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza together'
Denmark's future king appeared to share a passionate kiss with a mystery 'girlfriend' at a music festival - but far from a scandalous royal smooch, the couple appear to have been together for 'at least a year' and have even reportedly enjoyed a getaway to Ibiza with one another. Crown Prince Christian, 19, looked to be partying up a storm as he joined 18-year-old sister Isabella - as well as his new rumoured romance - at Smukfest in Skanderborg on Wednesday. And as well as the teen Princess shocking fans by sporting an X-rated T-shirt emblazoned with the translated words 'f***ed him yesterday' with a suggestive arrow pointing off to the side, many have likely also been wowed to see the heir to the throne seemingly locking lips in the bustling crowd. Danish media reports that the elusive lady is one Emma Nygaard Fritzen, 21 - who is understood to have graduated from Ordrup Gymnasium, which the royal also attended. As per Billed Bladet, the pair are so serious that Emma was among those in attendance at Isabella's 18th birthday party this spring. Elsewhere according to Hola! the couple were also spotted together with friends during a recent trip to Ibiza, although nothing has been confirmed and the Royal House has not made a statement on the matter. The outlet also says Emma comes from 'Denmark's upper elite' and graduated form the University of Sydney - located in his mother Queen Mary's native Australia - and 'loves spending extended periods in Africa', where the Prince has also spent some time travelling and working in. Her father is said to be consulting firm McKinsey partner Søren Fritzen, who on LinkedIn shared that he 'served as a captain in the Danish Army, and participated in an international UN mission in former Yugoslavia'. He added: 'I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Danish Technical University and an Economics degree from Copenhagen Business School.' While Emma's social media profiles seem to be private, the photo of her and Christian kissing - which has now made its way through a myriad of royal fan accounts and blogs - appears to have initially been posted on her Instagram, and later deleted as wellwishers have shared other snaps of what is understood to be photos from the young socialite. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Kongehuset for comment. It is not the first time the Crown Prince has found himself embroiled in romantic speculation, as two years ago he was rumoured to be dating Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies - even reportedly introducing her to his grandmother, Queen Margrethe. The Italian heiress is the youngest daughter to Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. Her parents are family friends Queen Mary and King Frederik. Speculation was sparked after Christian was snapped enjoying a day out with friends at the Monaco Grand Prix in May of that year, and was seen standing close together with Roman-born Chiara in a group photo taken at the event. He was also reported to have spent time with the princess and her family this summer, after her mother shared an Instagram story of the family posing with Christian, captioning it 'family and friends'. The pair were also seen enjoying ice cream together in St Tropez, where Chiara is thought to have spent around two weeks, posting holiday snaps from the resort town. However, nothing was confirmed. Elsewhere at Wednesday's festival, controversy erupted when the second eldest child of the reigning royal couple was pictured at the festival in an innuendo-fuelled top. The princess' t-shirt was a merchandise top for Danish hip hop group Suspekt, who were performing at Smukfest. The music trio are renowned for their explicit and sexually charged lyrics. But pictures from the event also show that Isabella certainly wasn't alone in wearing the suggestive top, with other concert-goers wearing similar Suspekt band t-shirts. Danish political commentator Jarl Cordua was among the critics of the royal's choice of attire. He explained that while he understood the need for 'royals letting loose a little', he also believed there were 'limits' - and that the distasteful shirt crossed the line. The new pictures reveal that Isabella completed her casual festival look by wearing an orange bucket hat emblazoned with the festival nickname 'Smuk'. Despite the furore her attire would later attract, Isabella appeared very much at ease among the festival crowd. The following day, on August 7, Isabella was once again pictured at the festival - although it appears she wisely decided to leave her Suspekt band t-shirt at home. Instead, Isabella re-wore her orange bucket hat along with a white t-shirt, navy shorts and gumboots as she headed off to enjoy another day of live music. The royal was pictured walking through the busy festival with a group of her pals. Later in the day, the princess had ditched her bucket hat and was seen standing amongst the packed crowd to watch rapper Tessa's set. Princess Isabella appeared to be immersed in the performance as she was pictured smiling, dancing, closing her eyes and even singing along passionately. Fellow attendees were reportedly stunned to spot the king's daughter casually dressed and partying alongside them at the event. But eagle-eyed royal pundits spotted a small nod to Isabella's formal duties. She was still wearing the same jewellery that she'd been pictured in just a few days earlier during a royal photo call at Gråsten with her parents King Frederik and Queen Mary and younger brother Prince Vincent. On both occasions, Isabella wore a heart-shaped pendant from Danish brand Akua Objects alongside her trusty 'P' necklace worn many times before. Isabella wasn't the only royal partying it up at the Danish music festival. According to local Danish publication B.T., although Isabella and Christian attended the festival in a private capacity, they were both happily taking selfies with fans and even politely stopped to answer a few brief questions from the media. An opinion piece published by B.T.'s royal commentator Fie West Madsen noted that this was 'mature and wise behaviour'. '[It] shows that even though the royal and now adult children are letting loose, drinking a pint of beer and maybe wearing a bold t-shirt, they are still aware of their role as royals,' he said. 'Because let's be honest - the balance between being royal on the one hand and enjoying a normal teenage life every now and then is definitely not easy. 'Everything the Crown Prince and Princess Isabella do is noticed, and they know it very well. But this summer they have shown that they can easily be young and royal at the same time.' The Danish royal family is not new to Smukfest, with King Frederik in particular a renowned past regular attendee. Over the years, Frederik, 57, was regularly seen enjoying the festival with a beer in hand and taking selfies with other festival-goers. Some years saw him accompanied by his wife Queen Mary, 53, and more recently he was joined by Christian and Isabella. Interestingly, Frederik has also previously enjoyed watching Suspekt at the same festival. It would seem the King has passed this appreciation for their music onto his daughter, judging by her unexpected choice to wear one of the band's shirts. King Frederik has not attended the concert since he became regent last year. Nevertheless, it would certainly seem that Frederik has instilled his love of Smukfest in his children.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How young royals are raiding their glam mothers' wardrobes
When your mother's closet is filled with designer garments from the likes of Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Nina Ricci, it would be rude not to borrow one or two items. So it's no wonder that the young European royals of today are raiding their glamorous parent's wardrobes more and more. So, as these pictures show, royal hand-me-downs are increasingly common in an eco-conscious age... PRINCESS ISABELLA AND QUEEN MARY OF DENMARK What's yours is mine! In July, Princess Isabella was seen wearing a pair of her mom's beige and black Chanel Lambskin Ballerinas We recognize that! Queen Mary wore the same skirt in some summery snaps posted to Instagram from a family holiday back in 2020 Denmark's Queen Mary has been quoted saying her teenage daughters 'wouldn't be caught dead' in her clothes - however, it seems their tune may have changed as her eldest Isabella often sports outfits worn by her mother. Most recently, on August 1, the 18-year-old wore a colorful skirt belonging to the Australian-born queen. Mary wore the same skirt in some summery snaps posted to Instagram from a family holiday back in 2020. In July, Isabella stepped out in a pair of her mom's Chanel Lambskin Ballerinas in beige and black. Mary worn the popular shoes on various occasions. But the Danish queen has even dipped into her daughter's wardrobe once too - wearing one of the princess's purple double-breasted coat by Dolce & Gabbana. PRINCESS LEONOR AND QUEEN LETIZIA OF SPAIN Mom's style: Spain's Princess Leonor looked radiant in the Desigual x Stella Jean Ruffle mididress on August 5. Her mother Queen Letizia first wore the dress in 2023 Accessory love: The young royal borrowed her mom's earrings Princess Leonor has been seen wearing a few of her mom Queen Letizia of Spain's outfits and accessories during the family's summer outings. Most recently, she styled a blue and white mididress on August 5, a dress first worn by her mom in 2023. And days earlier, she had dipped into her mother's jewelry case, borrowing a pair of earrings which the Spanish queen has worn numerous times. Beauties in blue: In April, Princess Ingrid Alexandra made a dazzling debut at her first state banquet in a sky blue ruffled gown Mette-Marit's wore to the Crown Princess donned for Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden's wedding in 2010 Birthday fun: For her 18th birthday, the princess wore Mette-Marit's Lanvin Spring 2004 Black Silk Dress which her mother donned at a concert 21 years ago Princess Ingrid Alexandra is a big fan of her mother's vintage wardrobe and has worn an array of her stunning designer gowns from the early 2000s in recent years. In April, the 21-year-old made a dazzling debut at her first state banquet in a sky blue ruffled gown Mette-Marit's wore for Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden's wedding in 2010. And for her 18th birthday, the princess wore Mette-Marit's Lanvin Spring 2004 Black Silk Dress which her mother donned at a concert 21 years ago. Princess Eleanore looked chic when she stepped out with her family to celebrate Belgium's National Day in July. She paired her green Diane von Furstenberg dress with a sparkling set of emerald earrings belonging to her mother Queen Mathilde. They proved as the perfect complement to her glamorous gown, as the young royal beamed while taking in the official military parade. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AND THE PRINCESS OF WALES Young princess Charlotte isn't quite at the age where she is able to share clothes with her notoriously stylish mother, The Princess of Wales, but there have been signs she's already started raiding her closet. On Father's Day, the family shared a sweet snap of Prince William with his three children Charlotte, 10, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, seven. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the princess wearing her mother's navy and green tartan scarf. Kate kept warm in the same scarf last December while at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church. LADY LOUISE WINDSOR AND SOPHIE, DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH In 2023, Lady Louise Windsor borrowed a Peter Pilotto gown from her mother's wardrobe and paired it with a pair of classic white trainers. The number was first worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, in May 2015. And in 2019, Lady Louise borrowed her mom's Stella McCartney coat. Her mom had worn it in 2017. Previously, Lady Louise also borrowed a classic monochrome dress by Alaia for Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wore the same gray and white skater dress in 2016. Like mother, like daughter: Lady Louise Windsor proved she loves her mother's fashion in 2023, borrowing a dress her mom wore in 2015 This is mine now! Lady Louise borrowed Sophie's coat in 2019 after the Duchess of Edinburgh wore it in 2017 PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF HANOVER AND PRINCESS CAROLINE OF MONACO Princess Alexandra of Hanover made headlines last year when she attended the Chanel Haute Couture spring/summer 2024 show, wearing a little black dress brimming with history. The monochrome tweed mini had been worn by her mother, Princess Caroline of Monaco, back in 1990. Originating from the fall/winter 1990 couture collection, the dress incorporated a contrasting collar, scalloped stitching and double-breasted front, featuring buttons painted with a silhouette of Coco Chanel. PRINCESS ESTELLE AND CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA OF SWEDEN Princess Estelle of Sweden, who is second in line to the Swedish throne, in 2023 stepped out wearing a green gown previously worn by her mother, Crown Princess Victoria. The then 11-year-old wore the H&M Conscious Collection gown in green tulle, to Drottningholm Palace Theatre for a jubilee performance in honour of her maternal grandfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf. The dress was an altered version of the same gown that her mother wore to the Swedish Chamber of Commerce gala dinner in June 2022 in Amsterdam. Estelle paired it with a suite of jewels set with diamonds and peridots along with metallic flats. CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA AND QUEEN SILVIA OF SWEDEN Not only does Crown Princess Victoria hand down her dresses to her daughter, but she has raided her own mother's wardrobe in the past. The 48-year-old wore a vintage Nina Ricci piece for the Nobel Prize banquet at City Hall in Stockholm in December 2018. It was first seen on Queen Silvia, 81, at the 1995 Nobel Prize banquet event in Stockholm. Another family ensemble for Victoria included a yellow outfit worn to a seminar in Stockholm in 2017, 39 years after her mother Silvia donned the same look during a visit to Moscow in June 1978. The Crown Princess wore the striped yellow dress but decided not to include the matching hat seen when her mother wore. Mom's first: Queen Silvia of Sweden seen in the same gown at the 1995 Nobel Prize banquet event in Stockholm Accessorize:...But her mother, Queen Silvia, paired the dress with a matching hat PRINCESS ALEXIA AND QUEEN MAXIMA OF THE NETHERLANDS Princess Alexia of the Netherlands proved she has inherited her mother Queen Maxima's sense of style as she carried out her first solo engagement two years ago. The 20-year-old royal, who is second in line to the Dutch throne behind her sister Princess Catharina-Amalia, opted for an elegant navy midi dress as she launched the ship Vox Alexia in Rotterdam. The Oscar de la Renta number featured cutout details on the shoulders, a billowing skirt, and white and blue ruffles along the long sleeves. The dress was first worn by her mother, Maxima, 54, in June 2019 at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
