Europe's longest mural has been created in Sydhavnen, Copenhagen
During the summer of 2018 artists were busy at Enghave Brygge in Sydhavnen, Copenhagen creating Europe's longest mural. “Evolution 2” is the name of the work – and on the half-kilometer long fence is depicted the world's birth, from The Big Bang to the present, with a peak into the future as the artists anticipate it.
In September the mural was celebrated at a grand opening where the Managing Director of Copenhagen Metro Service, Henrik Plougmann Olsen and Professor in evolution and Managing Director at National History Museum in Copenhagen, Peter C. Kjærgaard held speeches and were shown around along the fence by the artist spokesperson, Peter Skensved.
Enghave Brygge was before urban development and metro construction, known as the place where Danish and international street artists flocked and met. Especially Ulrik Schiødts work “Evolution” was famous, recognized and respected among other street artists. In 17 years this work was allowed to stand without being tagged or painted over by other street artists.
As the city developed and a decision about building a metro line was made, the whole area was cleared. And the wall and the so-called Hall of Fame with Ulrik Schiødts work was torn down. But in connection with the metro line construction there was a new opportunity to create the work on the metro fence. Ulrik Schiødt decided together with his friend and colleague, artist Peter Skensved to make “Evolution 2” with help from fellow Dane Michael Wisniewski and Alexandre de Girardier from Paris. There have also been guest performances from 10 of the best Danish street art artists, each of them adding an element in the mural.
Peter Skensved says: “It is like closing the ring. What became the death of the Hall of Fame has become the birth of a new work on the same place as the original work. It is also very satisfying to experience, so many of the by passers commenting on what we are doing – and letting us know that they like what they see."
The motives in “Evolution 2” are not only based on the original piece. Since the fence is so long, it is possible to go into more detail in the different time periods, each being separated with a curtain and another background colour. Flüggers Brand Ambassador, Lone Nordby is very pleased: “It is a really colourful work which speaks to everybody at all ages. I have seen by passers who have been drawn towards the work – and because of the abundance of appealing motives you will probably get lots of selfies on social media with parts of “Evolution 2” as background.”
Flügger has donated the paint which was applied using brushes and rollers. Copenhagen Metro Service and Coop that also were partners in the projects and participated at the open reception in September.
Hashtag for “Evolution 2”: #evolutionwall
