Three sculptures stand before you. They are a gift. A gift from the US Virgin Islands to Denmark. These aren’t just any sculptures. They’re a poignant reminder. A reminder of a shared history. A history of colonialism and slavery.
The Tre former Sculpture. That’s what these three pieces are called. They arrived in Copenhagen to spark conversation. To confront Denmark’s past. The central sculpture is a copy of ‘Freedom’. This iconic piece originally celebrated the emancipation of slaves. It’s a powerful symbol of liberation.
The other two are busts. They depict John ‘Buddhoe’ Gottlieb and D Hamilton Jackson. Gottlieb played a vital role in the islands’ fight for freedom in 1848. Jackson established the first labour union there in 1915. These men represent resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality.
These aren’t just decorative pieces. They are historical artifacts. They’re a powerful statement. The Tre former Sculpture is Denmark’s first official monument acknowledging its colonial past. Its involvement in the slave trade. The Ghanaian sculptor Bright Bimpong created the remarkable work.
Imagine the weight of history embedded in the bronze. Feel the cool metal beneath your fingertips. Hear the silent stories whispered by the figures. Stories of oppression. Stories of struggle. Stories of hope. The sculptures invite reflection. They invite dialogue. They invite us to confront an uncomfortable truth.
The Tre former Sculpture isn’t simply about the past. It’s about the present. It’s a call for reconciliation. It’s a promise to remember. To learn. To never forget the injustices of the past. So that we might build a more just and equitable future. Look closely. What do you see? What do you feel? What will you do with this knowledge? The Tre former Sculpture awaits your contemplation. Its message is clear. Let’s not let history repeat itself.