As a part of our collaboration with the International Documentary Film Festival CPH:DOX, we hosted a film screening at our Flagship Store last Thursday. Normann Copenhagen’s Flagship Store is situated in the beautiful building of an old movie theater, and when you gaze upon the high-ceilinged room, you can easily imagine the big screen and rows of seats, as well as the laughs and sobs that past screenings caused. For this special occasion the premises were brought back to their original life. On screen was the documentary ‘Banksy does New York’ that evolves around the stir that street artist Banksy created in New York City, in the month of October 2013.
THE EVENT
The film was shown for a vigorous audience on the first day of CPH:DOX. Our Flagship Store was filled with a lively buzz of 150 people chatting and sipping drinks, before they took seat to watch the film. With a sold-out event every chair was put into use.
Before the screening there was time to browse and shop
DJ Daniel Skovlund spreading funky tunes
CEO Jan Andersen in conversation
Happy guests
The store was filled with rows of Form chairs
Guests enjoying refreshing whiskey and ginger ale drinks
Guests seated and ready to be entertained
PR & Communications Manager Johanne Toft welcoming the audience
Art collector Jens-Peter Brask sharing his view on graffiti
‘Banksy Does New York’ is on
ABOUT BANKSY
The name Banksy needs little introduction. The anonymous British street artist who works under the pseudonym Banksy has become world-famous for his satirical art with sharp political and social commentaries. While Banksy’s art is displayed in the public, his pieces are often removed from the streets and sold to collectors at sky-high prices.
Still from ‘Banksy Does New York’
The film by Chris Moukarbel documents Banksy’s self-proclaimed residency in New York City. Banksy makes one exhibit a day in an unannounced location, resulting in a scavenger hunt that unfolds on both social media and in the streets of New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers chase the exhibit before it disappears, removed by authorities or avaricious moneymakers, or even altered by envious fellow street artists.
AN INTERVIEW
The screening opened with an introductory speech by Jens-Peter Brask, who, besides being a successful restaurant owner, is one of Denmark’s most famous art collectors, as well as a street art enthusiast. We seized the opportunity to ask him about art and design.
Jens-Peter Brask. Photo credit: Søren Solkær
What is your relationship to street art?
“I love it. Free art in the urban space, what’s not to like? I also enjoy the fact that you have to search for it in order to see it.”
What kind of relation is there between street art and the established art scene?
“There is coherence and yet it’s two different things. Street art is freer. It’s straightforward and you can come and go as you please.”
Can street art be mainstream and profitable or does it thereby lose its essence?
“In my opinion, it definitely doesn’t loose anything. There are many artists who started out as street artists, have grown big and are still making street art.”
Why has Banksy become such an hyped artist?
“I wouldn’t say he is hyped, he is simply talented. Hyped in a good way. He does something no one else can do and he is unstoppable. In 2013 he makes 30 works in NYC, leaving everyone breath taken. He sells works in Central Park for only 60 dollars and sells 3 or 4 works. In 2015 he launches Dismaland and, yet again, surprises everyone.”
Do you own any pieces by Banksy?
“Yes I do, actually. I bought them back in 2003, or maybe it was 2004. I think they are fun and edgy and I instantly fell for them.”
You have a beautiful home, which has been featured in several lifestyle magazines. What is great design to you?
“It is difficult to put a finger on it. If it works, it works. Great design is like great art, it’s enjoyable and gratifying.”
How do you select design for your home?
“If I like it, I buy it. It’s the same with art, actually. I like art and design that stand out. It has to kindle an interest, a desire to know more.”
How do you incorporate art and design in your decór?
“I think it happens naturally when you select pieces that appeal to you. It’s not something that I put a lot of thought into.”
What do art, design and other creative fields have in common?
“That it can make you happy and affect you in a positive way. You could say that it’s life-affirming.”
Get to know Jens-Peter Brask better at instagram @brask007
If you would like to experience our Flagship Store’s movie theater transformation you have the chance again this Thursday were we will be showing five short films by Danish artists. But be quick, only few tickets left! Get your ticket here.