Photo credit: Rebecca Harlan
“The Royal Danish residence was once again uniquely transformed by graduate students from the Corcoran College of Art + Design and provided the beautiful surroundings for the fifth Creative Christmas design installation. The installation, “WATER knows no borders”, showcased Denmark’s expertise in the field of water management and technology.
Corcoran students
More than 750 guests attended the Danish Embassy’s yearly Christmas reception, hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Peter Taksøe-Jensen.
Ambassador and Gitte Wallin Pederse
The rooms of the residence showcased different aspects of Danish water expertise; the library had 400 small blue-colored boxes with light illustrating Denmark’s 400 islands and the living room symbolized the habour of Copenhagen which is now so clean that you can swim in it. Light was an integrated and recurring element of the installation contributing to a special and memorable atmosphere.
On display was also a collection of photographs by Judith Glickman on the rescue of the Danish Jews in 1943 marking the 70th anniversary of this remarkable historic event when close to 7000 Danes of Jewish decent were sailed across the water to safety in Sweden. These were accompanied by informative posters produced by design student Mihai Moraru from KEA (Copenhagen School of Design and Technology) in Denmark.
The music was performed by Ikuko Takahashi (JP) and Christian Utke Schiøler (DK) and was more a sound installation than a traditional concert. The two musicians teased the guests’ senses as they played instrumental music inspired by water and the sounds around a lake.
Embassy chef, Lars Beese, served traditional Danish Christmas food, including æbleskiver (Danish Pancakes) and glögg which were well received by the guests. Some had the courage to try the ‘små grå’ shots which is spirits made from vodka and salty hot liquorice – a very unfamiliar taste to most Americans!” Courtesy of the Danish Embassy.
