What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable element? Usually it’s a real disaster. However, the neighbour Anette Skou, former head of the Foreigners Department, and the dancer Víctor Rojas succeeded in this challenge of their own making.

 

The story is simple: since the 7th of March, the Danish artist has been offering in the La Cala Cultural Centre an exhibition of ceramic sculptures in which she has invested more than two years, entitled ‘Ana’s World’. After receiving a large number of visitors, on Thursday 27th a party was held to close the exhibition in a big way. A guided tour in Spanish and English took place in the exhibition hall, which brought the attendees closer to the artist’s work and served to reveal some of the most unknown details of her pieces.

 

But the highlight of the meeting was when Rojas put flamenco at the feet of Skou’s figures with a performance entitled ‘Dance between sculptures’ that left no one indifferent. 

The closing ceremony was attended by a large number of people, including visitors who were unable to attend the inauguration and took advantage of this last opportunity. Anette expressed her satisfaction: “It was a wonderful experience, Victor’s performance added a special touch. His dancing among my sculptures was unique, and people were delighted”.

 

For his part, Rojas, who performed sevillanas and bulerías, highlighted the importance of uniting different arts, as he thought it was “super original to combine flamenco with ceramics and clay. It is a way of reaching a different kind of public and showing the value of these disciplines”.

A display of reflection 

During the exhibition, attendees were able to tour the 28 piecescreated by Skou over the last few years. Each of these pieces is loaded with symbolism and emotions, addressing topics such as the relationship between man and nature, stories and characters, and issues such as gender violence. Anette shared how her artwork stems from her inspiration and subconscious because "it's something that often surprises even myself. I hope that the people who have come here get the message I try to convey with my sculptures".

 

In addition, the artist gave a short masterclass, explaining the different techniques and types of clay used in her works, from traditional clay to more specific materials such as stoneware or porcelain-like white. 

A meeting between friends

The event was well supported by institutions and groups, including the Danish consulate in Málaga, the Costa Women group of the International Women's Association, and the Danish Club, as well as family and close friends of the artist, among them Susan Kirstedn, secretary of the Danish consulate, who underlined the importance of Anette's connection with the Danish community in Mijas: "I have known Anette for decades and to have her here is a gift. Her ability to capture her essence in clay is simply incredible. It seems that she was already a potter in another life". 

The exhibition was also a reflection of family support, with the presence and unconditional support of her husband, the artist José María Córdoba, who defined Skou's work as a genuine passion, stating that "this is not a hobby", but something that Anette had inside her and that she now has the opportunity to develop, her work has depth and authenticity, and all I can do is support her in this adventure".

To conclude, Skou was especially grateful to the Culture Department for making the exhibition possible and to her husband and son for their technical and emotional support throughout the process. 

Solidarity

Anette's works are not only part of an artistic reflection, but also had a charitable background as 5 % of the sales are destined to the projects of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol, especially to help victims of gender violence and victims of the DANA. The closing ceremony witnessed the sale of several pieces, which reinforces the public's interest in acquiring works full of meaning and beauty. 

This event, which brought together ceramics and flamenco, demonstrates how art can be a bridge between different disciplines, cultures and emotions. Skou's exhibition and the performance of Víctor Rojas leave an ineffable mark on the cultural history of Mijas.

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