Hornbaek

Edward Weston

Herb Ritts

I am on vacation. Not any kind of vacation… somehow, these feel strangely like my very first vacation.

The nature, the freedom and the wonders of discovering a new environment helped recreate a magical it’s-the-very-first-time effect!

So where is this idyllic spot? In the north of Denmark in the small village of Hornbaek facing the Swedish coasts.

Nature is everywhere here and perhaps because of the long winters, the Danish make it a point to be as outdoorsy as possible during the summer- rain or shine! Indeed it is not uncommon here to spend your days naked in the dunes.  In fact, it is even encouraged!

Attention! We are miles away from the gold bikini-high heels combination à la “Sex & the City 2” …for those of you that were unfortunate to catch the utterly unnecessary sequel in theaters. The relationship that the Danish have with nature makes it a very different experience from nudity in most countries, such as France (or even the US, where going Topless has been legal in the state of New York since… 1992!) If France’s rapport with nudity is very sexually charged and omnipresent, nudity in Denmark is more discreet and most definitely aimed at a communion with nature.

The accepting and tolerant environment is also very liberating, in a way very un-New York fashion. There is no need to win here, not just on the sandy beaches, but in almost every area of your life.  For instance, the government provides for studies all the way to retirement. Kids are even allowed to skip a year from school. It’s called: Skoletraet – School  Tiered a year off without any penalty. This open-mindedness is incredibly revolutionary, especially in our oh-so competitive environment!

But all is not woods & sticks here. I  visited the amazing Louisiana Museum of Modern Art whose architecture matches the Danish philosophy of being as much indoor as it is outdoor. Despite beautiful Giacomettis & Bacons, I saw a compelling Sophie Calle exhibit. The main piece was Take Care of Yourself (Prenez Soin De Vous), which was one of the highlights of the Venice Biennale in 2007. 

For Take Care of Yourself Calle invited women (from a ballet dancer to a lawyer) to use their various professional skills to interpret an email where the artist’s lover ends their relationship. The results are poetic, touching and humorous statements which together form a monumental installation.
I will leave Denmark thankful for a relaxing, freeing and enriching vacation, and with bountiful memories of endless afternoon basking in the sun… and no tan marks