My Inner Beast
My Inner Beast is a series of one-ton heavy black concrete sculptures, created by the Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot. In November 1993, twenty sculptures were erected in twenty cities across Europe without permission of the authorities.[1] A press release by the sculptor stated:[2]
I will, over a two day period, erect 20 solid black/brown sculptures over 2 meters in height, executed in reinforced concrete. The figure is called "My Inner Beast" and will be erected around Europe's bigger cities during a two day happening. Each sculpture will be put in places that are national or local symbols of freedom, justice and democracy in each city. The purpose is to put focus on the increasing intolerance and brutalization in Europe. This is seen in the growing racism, xenophobia and the persecution of minority groups. I wish to point out that we all have a personal responsibility for these tendencies with ourselves and our fellow human beings.
Erecting
[edit]In November 1993, the twenty one-ton heavy black concrete sculptures were erected in twenty cities across Europe within 55 hours, without the knowledge of the authorities. The sculptures created debate in political circles,[3] in the press and in the public. In several cities the authorities decided to retain the sculptures permanently.
Locations
[edit]10 years after
[edit]On the occasion of the 10th anniversary Jens Galschiot and his staff initiated a search to find out what has happened to each of the 20 sculptures.[24]
The fate of the Beasts varies quite a lot. In some cities the statue has been hidden away or even destroyed. All three sculptures set up in France have disappeared.[citation needed]
In other cities the Beast has found a prominent site. In Bonn it has even been incorporated in the German state's art collection. The anniversary was celebrated during the European Social Forum 12–15 November 2003 in Paris where two Beasts participated in the big manifestation accompanied by Survival of the Fattest and 14 Hunger Boys.[25]
See also
[edit]- Jens Galschiot
- Danish sculpture
- Survival of the Fattest
- The Color Orange
- Pillar of Shame
- Fundamentalism
References
[edit]
- ^ [1]. Aidoh.dk. Official information about where the statues were erected
- ^ "Info about the sculpture" (PDF).
- ^ Berlingske Tidende, Jyllandsposten, Aalborg Stiftstidende, Jydske Vestkysten, Fyens Stiftstidende, Det Fri Aktuelt, 8. Nov. 1993 - 17. Nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=111 My Inner Beast erected in Zurich nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=110 My Inner Beast erected in Stockholm nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=109 My Inner Beast erected in Paris nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=108 My Inner Beast erected in Oslo nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=107 My Inner Beast erected in Odense nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=106 My Inner Beast erected in Munich nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=105 My Inner Beast erected in Milan nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=104 My Inner Beast erected in Marseilles nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=103 My Inner Beast erected in Lyon nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=101 My Inner Beast erected in Innsbruck nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=153 My Inner Beast erected in Herning nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=99 My Inner Beast erected in Geneva nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=102 My Inner Beast erected in Copenhagen nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=98 My Inner Beast erected in Brussels nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=97 My Inner Beast erected in Bonn nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=96 My Inner Beast erected in Berlin nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=95 My Inner Beast erected in Barcelona nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=114 My Inner Beast erected in Antwerp nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=94 My Inner Beast erected in Amsterdam nov. 1993
- ^ http://www.aidoh.dk/?categoryID=112 My Inner Beast erected in Aarhus nov. 1993
- ^ [2]. official reports and conclusion for each statue
- ^ [3].http://www.tidsskriftcentret.dk by Jørgen Lund & Bjarne A. Frandsen 3. nov. 2003