“Moment before and after” a captivating title for a sculpture. This isn’t just any sculpture though. It’s the “Moment before and after” by Hein Heinsen. Standing proudly at Sortedam Dossering it’s a gift from the Frans Schwartz Legat.
The “Moment before and after” is more than just bronze. It’s a statement. It’s green patinated bronze. Imagine the subtle way the light catches its surface. The sculpture is huge 150 cm high 170 cm long and 80 cm deep. It’s not easy to miss.
Heinsen’s vision is profound. He uses two cones. Their pointed ends meet. This intersection represents the relationship between time and space. It’s a clever idea isn’t it? A simple form carrying a complex meaning.
This placement wasn’t accidental. The “Moment before and after” joins other abstract sculptures. Sonja Ferlov Soren Georg Jensen and Bjorn Poulsen are among its neighbours. They share a space among the chestnut trees. The city carefully considered its placement. They wanted to complement existing works. The nearby “Gate of Peace” also by Heinsen is a nice complement.
The “Moment before and after” isn’t isolated. Its location is considered. The city planned for its placement carefully. They even coordinated it with the construction of the new Solund building. The sculpture now sits beautifully in the grass. It sits between the footpath and the cycle track. The Solund building is set back slightly. It provides a perfect backdrop for the sculpture. A lovely seating area is just behind. This area forms an ideal viewing spot. The area isn’t empty though. A bench a waste bin and a lamppost are all carefully placed nearby.
The cost was considered too. The sculpture itself was a gift. However the city paid approximately 50 000 kr. This covered the foundation and the installation. Ongoing maintenance is another approximately 2000 kr annually. This is mainly for graffiti removal.
The “Moment before and after” wasn’t instantaneous. The art committee approved it on December 6 2016. The local council added a note. They suggested coordinating the installation with the Solund construction. The sculpture was likely inaugurated in late 2017. It is now a permanent part of Copenhagen’s art scene. This magnificent work stands as a testament to artistic vision. It is also a testament to thoughtful urban planning. It’s more than just metal and form. It’s a dialogue between time space and the city itself. A conversation waiting to be experienced. Take your time to appreciate the “Moment before and after”.