Survival of the Fattest - London Sculptural Outcry

Press release, 14 October 2004

***** Survival of the Fattest *****

So speaks Justitia (western goddess of justice):

I'm sitting on the back of a man
He is sinking under the burden
I would do anything to help him
Except stepping down from his back

Sculptural Outcry In London

Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot launches a sculptural manifestation during the European Social Forum in London 15-17 October 2004. The three metres high copper sculpture Survival of the Fattest has been mounted on a truck pulling 6 minor trailers with 12 copper sculptures of emaciated teenage boys. The grotesque sculpture procession will take part in the many meetings and the huge manifestation on Sunday where hundreds of thousands are expected to participate.

The Social Forum in London is a follow-up the big gathering in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The European grassroots had their last meeting in Paris, 2003, where Galschiot carried out a manifestation with his two metres high My Inner Beast sculptures that have haunted Europe for the last decade to pinpoint the increasing intolerance and racism.

The London meeting will be opened by celebrities, e.g. the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and Ben Bella, the renowned hero from Algeria's independence war.

Make trade fair

About the reasons for his sculptural intervention Jens Galschiot explains: "We westerners regard ourselves as altruistic to the poor. But the altruism is inverted Robin Hood. Our chanted free trade is full of restrictions in defence of our privileges, while the third world is kept in misery." The artist continues: "Obviously something is wrong when European dairy cattle receive two dollars per day through subsidies while one fifth of the world's population live from one dollar a day. Cattle in Europe get as much in subsidies each day as half of the world's population have to live for. The western world's delusion must be stopped, so that the developing countries get favourable conditions when selling their products. So we can achieve a more balanced world. "

Photos and information about Jens Galschiot: www.aidoh.dk Info on the Social Forum in London: www.fse-esf.org and www.april2005.org About the sculptures in London: Niels 2080 6586 and Mikkel 2080 6588

Background: Jens Galschiot (born 1954) sculptor, happening and concept artist. On various occasions he has staked his art to fan discussions on the ethical foundation of our civilisation. A huge industrial area in Odense, Denmark give shelter to his bronze foundry, gallery and workshop. Best known are the happenings My Inner Beast (European cities in 1993) and the Pillar of Shame (Hong Kong, Mexico and Brazil). The projects are financed through sale of Galschiot's bronze sculptures to art collectors.

Jens Galschiot, Banevaenget 22, DK-5270 Odense N, Denmark Tel: +45 6618 4058, Fax: +45 6618 4158 E-mail: aidoh@aidoh.dk, Internet: www.aidoh.dk