Mindcraft 17: Hanne G

Everyone knows that time is tricky but how does it actually affect our daily routines, working processes and ever-changing surroundings? For this year’s edition of Mindcraft – mounted by the Danish Arts Foundation during Milan Design Week: 4-9 April – guest curator and scenographer Henrik Vibskov opted to explore a site-specific condition: how different times-of-day cast different atmospheres at the San Simpliciano Cloister; how the droves of visitors that take the Italian city by storm during this hectic week might find pause in this ephemeral haven. The architecture of the locale allows an inner courtyard to cut off from the bustle of street life; providing an ample setting to showcase commissioned projects by 18 Danish craft-led talents: Tobias Møhl, Yuki Ferdinandsen, Eske Rex & Maria Mengel, Birk Marcus Hansen, Emil Krøyer & Mads Sætter-Lassen, Anne Dorthe Vester & Maria Bruun, Kasper Kjeldgaard, Lærke Valum, Marianne Eriksen Scott-Hansen, Isabel Berglund, Hanne G, Anders Ruhwald, Christina Schou Christensen, Pernille Pontoppidan Pedersen and Carl Emil Jacobsen. 

Though specialised in various mediums: graphics, ceramics, glass, textiles, silverware, wood and marble etc., all were prompted to work with the concept of time. Celebrated polyglot Vibskov allocated each creative with a specific period in the day to consider while developing their new works. Some explored the theme by looking at how material is sourced, how age-old techniques weight up to contemporary demands, and how function can be readdressed. TLmag had the opportunity to visit many of the exhibitors’ studios in Copenhagen earlier this month. Here’s the first in a series of profiles, ahead of Milan Design Week.  

With the allocated time span of 05:59:59–06:59:59, Danish artist Hanne G took inspiration from her daily yoga ritual. The Duet is an installation that forges a connection between anthropomorphic form (Sun Salutations) and meditative sound (chanting) but perhaps more importantly, facilities an unexpected interactions  between the work and its viewers. Hanne G is know for a bespoke technique in which she effectively ‘freezes’ fabric and achieves ceramic-like qualities. Two sculptures – acting like “female’ and ‘male’ – are entirely clad in this treatment while a carefully choreographic composition of random sounds– a composition developed with Jesper Ranum – reacts to different types of audiences through a series of sensors. At times, abrupt tones work to personify both forms with ‘breathe’ but also inspire viewer to be aware of their relationship with the animated objects. Hanne G has established herself as textile craftsperson who has pushed forward in every direction, from installation to wall applications. Her approach incorporates humoristic and sensual sensibilities. Reinventing the traditions of crochet and embroidery, her works have explored the intersection between science and myth. However, Hanne G’s most recent pieces have focused on nature.  

Mindcraft 17: 4-9 April
Chiostro Minore di San Simpliciano
Piazza Paolo VI 6
20121 Milan