A heated debate has erupted in Denmark over the planned demolition of a controversial mermaid statue that has been deemed inappropriate and sensational by cultural authorities and critics alike. The Danish Palace and Cultural Office has decided to remove the statue, titled "The Big Mermaid," which was installed in front of Fort Dragør near Copenhagen, citing that it does not align with the cultural heritage significance of the historic fortress.
The four-meter-tall statue has drawn sharp criticism for its prominent depiction of a woman's chest, which many view as sensational and inappropriate for public display. This controversial artwork stands in stark contrast to Copenhagen's beloved and famous bronze mermaid statue that sits gracefully on a rock by the city's waterfront, which has become an iconic symbol of the Danish capital.
The statue has faced harsh criticism from various cultural commentators and religious figures. Mathias Krieger, an art critic for the Danish daily newspaper Politiken, has been particularly vocal in his condemnation, describing the statue as "ugly and obscene." His critique reflects broader concerns about the artistic merit and public appropriateness of the sculpture.
Cleric and journalist Søren Gottfredsen has raised concerns about the statue's impact on women's body image and self-acceptance. "Building a statue of a man's sensational dreams about what a woman should look like does not help many women accept their bodies," Gottfredsen told reporters. He expressed hope that many people would find the statue vulgar and undesirable, adding that he felt disturbed by the presence of such an exaggerated female form in public spaces.
However, the statue has also found defenders who argue that the criticism reflects problematic societal attitudes toward the female body. Peter Beck, who commissioned the controversial artwork, has defended his creation against the mounting criticism. Beck argues that he cannot understand the negative reaction, maintaining that the statue's chest proportions are simply in line with its overall size and artistic vision.
Supporters of the statue have pointed out what they see as inconsistencies and double standards in the criticism. Amineta Kortran, an editor at the local Danish daily newspaper Berlingske, has questioned the underlying assumptions behind the controversy. "Does a naked woman's chest have to have a specific academic shape and size to be open to the public?" Kortran asked, highlighting what she sees as arbitrary standards for acceptable public art.
Kortran further noted the irony that while "The Big Mermaid" is actually "less naked" than other famous mermaid statues, including Copenhagen's iconic bronze mermaid, it has become controversial primarily because of its larger chest size. This observation has led some to argue that the backlash reveals uncomfortable truths about how society views and judges women's bodies in art.
The statue's troubled history reflects ongoing tensions between artistic expression and public acceptance. Originally, "The Big Mermaid" was installed on Copenhagen's popular Langelinie waterfront, the same area where the city's famous bronze mermaid statue attracts millions of tourists annually. However, local residents and visitors strongly objected to its presence, dismissing it as a "fake mermaid" that detracted from the area's cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.
Due to the sustained public opposition, authorities removed the statue from the Langelinie coast in 2018 and relocated it to Fort Dragør, hoping to find a more suitable location where it could remain on public display. However, even this compromise location has proven problematic, as cultural heritage officials have determined that the statue is incompatible with the historic fortress setting.
In March, following a formal request from Danish authorities for the statue's removal, creator Peter Beck attempted to find a permanent solution by offering to donate the controversial artwork to Fort Dragør. However, this generous offer was ultimately rejected by local authorities, who cited practical concerns about the statue taking up too much space in the historic location.
The controversy surrounding "The Big Mermaid" highlights broader debates about public art, cultural values, and gender representation in contemporary Denmark. The case has sparked discussions about who gets to decide what constitutes appropriate public art and whether artistic expression should be limited by public sensibilities.
The fate of the statue remains uncertain as authorities move forward with removal plans. The controversy has drawn international attention, with media outlets like The Guardian covering the story and bringing global scrutiny to Denmark's handling of the situation. The debate continues to divide opinion between those who see the statue as inappropriate and offensive and those who view the criticism as reflecting problematic attitudes toward women's bodies and artistic freedom.
