Talk: Lina Hashim & Anna Kledal, moderated by Prince Henry Kwesi Asare. **
How does history shape our gaze — and can art help to liberate it? **
Europeans' worship of, and view of, the “Orient” has for centuries often been marked by fascination, sometimes by fear—but almost always with an inherent asymmetry in the power relations. Historical heritage is not just a matter of works of art of the past; it continues to leave its imprint in political discourses, cultural representations, and collective notions of “the others” . **
In this talk, artist and performer Lina Hashim meets author, art historian and PhD in Gender and Orientalism Anna Kledal to investigate aesthetics, power and identity in the past, present and future. **
Through Hashim's artistic practice — where gaze, faith, body and ritual are closely intertwined — a discussion opens up about how contemporary art can challenge the traces of imperialism that still cast shadows into the present. With an art historical perspective, Kledal unfolds the historical context and focuses sharply on the ideas and notions that shaped the images of Orientalism. The conversation is moderated by
community debater, presenter, moderator and consultant: Prince Henry. **
From here, the conversation moves into our common contemporary -- a political landscape characterized by cultural dominance, global inequality and new forms of ideological imperialism. Why does the struggle against imperialist structures seem to repeat itself over and over again? And what role does art play in the encounter with these power structures — as a critical voice, activist tool, or poetic counterexample to stereotypical narratives and entrenched notions? **
Davids Samling is an art museum located in the heart of Copenhagen. The museum houses one of the grandest collections of art from the Islamic world in the West, as well as an outstanding selection of older European art and an exquisite representation of recent Danish painting, sculpture and ceramics. The museum offers a unique museum experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the works of art and the many stories they tell.
David's Collection is noted for its extensive collection of arts and crafts from the Islamic world, spanning from Spain in the west to India in the east and covering the period from the 7th to the 19th centuries. The collection is the largest of its kind in Scandinavia and among the ten most significant in the Western world. The museum also presents older European art from the 17th to 19th centuries, including furniture, ceramics and paintings from well-known artists.
In addition to the large and impressive collections, the museum also houses special exhibitions. David's Collection offers guided tours every Wednesday and on weekends where visitors can learn more about the art and its history. Visitors can plan their visit by finding opening hours, location and other practical information on the museum's website, and can have great