Maren Uthaug: Come on, women can do more than just be naked
Maren Uthaug discusses women's representation in public sculptures and a group of women knitting clothes for nude statues in protest.
The article highlights an ongoing protest in Denmark where a group of women has begun knitting clothes for nude female sculptures, drawing attention to the underrepresentation of historical women in public art. The protest, led by author Maren Uthaug, points out that while the landscape is dotted with numerous statues of nameless, naked women, there are significantly fewer sculptures representing named historical women, with only 43 such figures in Denmark compared to 484 of named historical men. Uthaug's activism promotes the idea that women contribute much more to society than mere representation in nude forms within public spaces.
Uthaug uses specific examples of various nude female statues located throughout Denmark, symbolizing the disparity in how male and female figures are commemorated. For instance, she mentions a statue of a young woman tending geese in Nakskov, and others in Copenhagen and Aarhus, also depicting naked women. This stark contrast raises questions about the societal implications of how women are commemorated in public spaces and the narratives that these sculptures present.
By spotlighting this issue, Uthaug and the knitting group aim to inspire a change in public perception and encourage the commissioning of more inclusive and diverse sculptures that celebrate women's contributions to history and society. This movement is not only a form of artistic expression but also a call for equality and respect for women in cultural representation.