Danish Feminists Complain Busty Mermaid Statue Is Pornographic. They Claim It’s A Man’s “Wet Dream” Of What A Woman’s Breast Should Look Like.
A busty mermaid statue in Denmark is set to be removed after Danish feminists complained about the statue’s large breasts. They complained it was “a man’s wet dream” of what a woman should look like. due to its large breasts.
The Danish Agency for Palaces and Culture is reportedly taking down the massive 14-ton Den Store Havfrue (the Big Mermaid).
Art critic Mathias Kryger, branded the statue ‘ugly and pornographic.’
Priest and journalist Sorine Gotfredsen wrote in the newspaper Berlingske: ‘
She also said:
“It was encouraging to know that many people find the statue ‘vulgar, unpoetic, and undesirable.”
Did The Danish Government Cave To Handful Of Militant Feminists?
Artist Peter Bech, the man behind the 4×6 meter sculpture believe the artwork is not pornographic:
The statue drew sharp criticism from many locals. However, some backed the artist and Fort owner in their position to keep the statue erected.
Berlingske’s debate editor Aminata Corr Thrane compared the scrutiny of the mermaid’s breasts to body shaming:
Bech also said the rejection of his statue is a shame:
He said that Dragor Fort ‘benefits greatly from the on-site statue. The statue rakes in more stars on Google Maps than the ‘real’ Little Mermaid at Langelinie in Copenhagen.
Danish Palaces and Culture Agency’s assessment does not mention anything about the size or appearance of the statue’s bust.
Instead, the assessment states:
“That the statue is not considered to fit into the cultural-historical environment.”
The Agency states that is because it does not align with the cultural heritage of the 1910 Dragor Fort landmark.
Bech said he offered to donate his artwork to the municipality. However, this idea was swiftly declined.
Helle Barth, chair of Dragor muncipality’s climate, urban and business committee, told Berlingske:
The Fort’s owner, Torben Bodtker, said after learning the statue’s removal:
“I’m sorry that it has to be removed. There are many people who come out here to see it. I’ve been very happy to have it standing as an attraction. Very happy. People have shown great interest in it’.
The artist explained that he has now received an offer from a private sculpture park offering to buy the work. However, he said: ‘It has gradually become part of Dragor’s history. So I think it belongs here’.
Therefore, Bech is now considering a citizen proposal as a possible way to preserve the statue’s place somewhere in Dragor.
‘It would be sad if it ended up in a parking lot somewhere. It’s so much more than just a garden gnome,’ said Bech.
