THINGS MATTER

Do you notice the art, sculptures and monuments found in public spaces?

What does it do to our sense of self that only 5 out of 101 statues in Copenhagen are of women? How are we affected by the sculptures and monuments in our mutual public spaces? And what would we change if we could?

In the community art project THINGS MATTER, created and overseen by Randi Samsonsen and presented at Trapholt, no less than 278 volunteer participants have explored and discussed the meaning of works of art in public spaces and commented on them through knitting. All were asked to select a work of art which they would like to see changed in certain ways.

Each participant has knitted a miniature version of an existing public sculpture. The scaled-down versions of original sculptures were knitted in yarn of royal blue, while the proposed changes/modifications were knitted using purple yarn. The finished work of art consists of a huge plinth on which the many knitted objects are presented.

The project has successfully shifted the focus from knitwear as clothing to knitwear as an artistic object that invites reflection on societal norms and traditions.

The 278 stories behind the knitted miniature sculptures and the participants’ reasons for suggesting changes can be read on panels in the glass corridor leading to the exhibition. The works are presented in order by the title each participant gave their contribution. You can also use the map of Denmark to get your bearings. Here you can see where the various original sculptures can be found, and you can search for more information on the screen.

Through the media of yarn, knitting needles, sketchpads and discussion salons, the participants have looked at, touched, reflected on, thought and talked about the many works of art we pass by every day without truly noticing them.