ISSA Denmark / Sculpture Symposium at Copenhagen Harbour

The 14th RINGKØBING Sculpture Symposium, also known as the ISSA Denmark Symposium, was held from July 26 

to August 1 at a harbour near Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Nine artists from eight different countries took

 part in the event, including Chinese sculptor Jiang Chu.

“In previous years, the material used for the sculptures was transported oak, but this year we chose a more 

sustainable approach. We obtained several pillars left over from a recent harbour renovation. They are made of 

South American greenheart—an extremely hard type of wood,” said Otto Pilgaard, organizer of the symposium.

German artist Geertje Marquardt was one of the nine artists participating in this year’s wood sculpture symposium. 

She often works in snowy environments. “My greatest experience lies in shaping sculptures in ice and snow,

 which has many similarities with working in wood. The difference is that in snow, you may encounter air pockets 

or pieces of ice.” She is fascinated by the encounter between the primal forces of nature and humanity’s ability 

to transform them into art. Her vision is to establish a quiet dialogue with nature.

For many years, Otto Pilgaard has worked together with a local team of volunteers. The symposium has received 

strong support from the business community and has also attracted many visitors to the harbour and the city.

Contributed by: Otto Pilgaard, ISSA Denmark Committee Member

Editor-in-Chief: Liu Qin

English Editor: Sun Ya‘nan

Legal Adviser: Tao Ran’ting