Reflecting the yoke. That’s the meaning of the name Zygote. This sculpture stands as a testament to connection. It is a captivating piece of art right here on Christmas Møllers Plads.
The Zygote Sculpture connects Copenhagen districts. It links Amager and Christianshavn. This location is not just any square. It is a busy traffic junction. From here, architectural landmarks catch your eye. The spire of the Church of Our Saviour stands tall. The bell tower on Kong Haakons Kirke is also visible. These geometric shapes inspired the artist.
Sophia Kalkau created this site-specific piece. The New Carlsberg Foundation commissioned it. Local municipal committees wanted an artistic touch. They envisioned it for the new street section at Amagerbrogade. The project was completed in 2020.
The artist herself describes Zygote as engaging in dialogue. It speaks to its environment. It speaks to the history of the square. The square is named after John Christmas Møller. He was a Conservative politician. He urged national resistance against the German Wehrmacht. His BBC radio transmissions are iconic. His 1945 statement is also well-known. He said: We are all socialists. These words inspired the sculpture. The title reflects the idea of yoking together. It also refers to a fertilized egg.
The Zygote Sculpture has a calm presence. It stands monumental and simple. It interacts geometrically and historically. It plays with the sphere and spiral of the Church of Our Saviour. It also plays with the pyramid and prism of Kong Haakons Kirke. Over time, the bronze will change. It will develop a patina. The sculpture will become an evolving landmark. It marks the entrance to the island.
Lord Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen emphasizes the value of public art. She believes it adds soul to the city. It encourages us to pause, think, and reflect. She appreciates that the Zygote Sculpture yokes Amager and Christianshavn. She hopes for more contemporary art in Copenhagen.
Christine Buhl Andersen from the New Carlsberg Foundation shares this vision. The foundation aims to place art where people live. They supported this project. Many people pass through this area daily. They will encounter this artwork. The foundation also supported Christians Lemmerz’s Godot nearby.
The Zygote Sculpture’s geometry is meticulous. It appears elliptical or drop-shaped. The shape changes based on your viewpoint. It mirrors horizontally and vertically. It forms a double hourglass in bronze. It can also look like a chain of links. The links can repeat infinitely.
Sophia Kalkau drew inspiration from the Greek word zygon. It means yoke or to yoke. The sculpture’s geometric shapes echo the yoke. A yoke is a wooden bar. It sits over the shoulders. It distributes weight. It makes carrying heavy burdens possible. The shapes also represent the square’s function. It yokes Christianshavn to Amager. It yokes Amager to Christianshavn.
Sophia Kalkau is a significant figure. She is prominent in the Danish contemporary art scene. She blends photography, sculpture, and performance art. She creates haunting works. Her art reflects sensitivity to art theory and practice.
The Zygote Sculpture stands tall at 10 meters. It is made of bronze. It features two stone seats. They are made of Brazilian flamingo quartzite. This artwork symbolizes community. It represents connections between places. It stands for solidarity among people. As you leave Christmas Møllers Plads, remember Zygote. Think of it as a symbol of unity.