Jens Galschiøt

The Danish sculptor who puts human injustice in public squares

Jens Galschiøt is a Danish sculptor who uses monumental public works to confront rights abuses, political hypocrisy, and global inequality. His best known series, the Pillar of Shame, has stood in several cities across different continents.

Who is Jens Galschiøt?

He is a Danish sculptor born in Frederikssund in 1954. He has lived and worked in Odense since 1973.

What is the Pillar of Shame?

It is an eight-metre column of twisted human bodies. The first version was installed in Hong Kong in 1997, honouring the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen protests.

Which materials does he use?

He works mainly in copper, bronze, concrete and silver. Many of his large projects are self-financed.

Did he study fine art?

He trained as a blacksmith and recieved his certificate in 1978. His silversmithing and sculpture skills were developed on his own.

Where can his works be seen?

Works stand in public squares in several countries. In 1985 he opened Gallery Galschiøt in Odense, which includes a foundry, workshop, gallery and sculpture garden.

Early life and training

Galschiøt was born in Frederikssund in 1954. He trained as a blacksmith while developing his self-taught practice as a silversmith and sculptor. He cites influences ranging from happenings and symbolism to art nouveau and street art.

Development, technique and key works

His early pieces included The Ringwearer’s Jacket, made in 1990 for Queen Margrethe II’s fiftieth birthday. Later he chose stark public installations, such as My Inner Beast, a set of one-ton concrete pigs in human clothing placed across European cities in 1993.

His sculptures deal with human rights, the environment, and the hypocrisy of governments and institutions. Critics usually note how his organic forms and bold public placement turn viewers into witnesses.

Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.

Pablo Picasso

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•