During a recent stroll in Copenhagen, I found myself irresistibly drawn to a gallery window that caught my eye. Whether it was the Sake sipped at the Japanese bar I had just left or the feeling of spring in the air, something urged me to take a different route back to my hotel—a decision for which I am incredibly grateful. What awaited me was nothing short of revelatory: the whimsical, anthropomorphic creations of Anna Aagaard Jensen.
I have encountered Jensen’s work once before at a Parisian gallery but could not believe my luck that I had stumbled across her work here in Copenhagen. I was thrilled, to say the least. The chance encounter was serendipitous, immediately imbuing a feeling of excitement and wonder as if the universe had conspired to allow me this delight at the perfect moment. I believe fate to be an enigmatic force that should never be underestimated. I felt that I had entered into a different realm; one which operated on a plane of flirtation, femininity, sweetness, innocence, and desire. It sounds delectable, doesn't it? Functioning at the intersection between intimacy and profanity the works give themselves to the viewer fully. Allowing for a total immersion and fascination to take place.
Anna Aagaard Jensen, born in 1990 in Denmark, is recognized as both an artist and designer. Her creative focus centers around sculptural objects that delve into the representation of women; exploring the intricacies of the female body and feminine identity. Jensen's artistic inquiry extends to the fusion of functionality within her pieces, offering a unique perspective on the interaction between form and purpose. Additionally, she is an active member of the artist and design collective ‘Morph’, alongside teaching at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy of Art & Design in Amsterdam. Jensen's educational background includes a B.A. in Furniture from KADK (Royal Danish Academy) and an M.A. in Fine Arts and Design from Design Academy Eindhoven. Most recently, she has exhibited with Formation Gallery (Copenhagen, 2024), Sainte Anne Gallery (Paris, 2023), and Friedman Benda, (New York, NY, 2022). Currently, Jensen lives and works in Rotterdam. Let’s delve further into her practice:
The portrayal of the female body has been a timeless and recurring theme throughout art history, captivating both artists and audiences for decades. Masters such as Sandro Botticelli, with his ethereal depictions in "The Birth of Venus," and Édouard Manet, renowned for his iconic work "Olympia," have contributed to this enduring fascination. We see the continued popularity of subject matter through Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Frida Khalo, Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso to name a few. All of whom have remained fairly traditional in their approach and technique to depict the notion of the ‘divine feminine’. However, I can wholeheartedly say that I have never seen a portrayal of femininity quite like in Jensen’s work. Jensen builds upon the rich traditions to create pieces that are fresh, captivating, and above all else, a testament to her innovative approach to art.
In a prior interview with Munthe, Jensen described her conceptual underpinnings. The artist states:
"In my work, I try to create alternative narratives to reality through my objects. Design that extends beyond its own functionality. In my work, it is important to me that the woman is at the center. In my projects, I try to make room for the female body to be in physical coexistence with the objects - for example by bringing a different function into play. Or by leaving the objects alone and telling a different story that represents a shortcoming in our everyday lives."
Jensen's works demand your attention, but not in a forceful manner, more so in a way which seeks to intrigue and mystify. I can't help but ask myself, “Is this Daisy being coy with me? What secret is she hiding?” The ability of a sculpture to portray such a complex range of emotions is a rare feat as it demands meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of form and expression. We therefore bear witness to Jensen’s high level of artistry.
I believe the success of these works lies within their anthropomorphic nature. The sculptures contain a life of their own; curiously walking through space and time with their bright pink high heels and quirky long limbs which can seduce even the most reserved spectator. The movement in the work highlights its comical profanity; I find myself laughing at the certainty of its hip thrusting against the wall. It is proclaiming to the world that she is there and knows what she wants. The work's sexual prowess and celebration of femininity are further heightened by the main compositional element; a flower. Symbolic of renewal, pleasure, and a change of season, the flower carries the rest of the sculpture and allows for an established focal point. The work feels human, but also incredibly far from. It allows us to live in an idealized realm whereby daisies roam and share equal ideas of feminism, sex, and the intricacies of female existence.
Simply superb.
I love a rebellious daisy 🌼❤️ Great article.