Issa PR will be spearheading the international launch of a public monument and is supporting with sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
On March 31st, a groundbreaking piece of public art in Denmark will be unveiled by two female artists—La Vaughn Belle and Jeannette Ehlers—to raise awareness of Denmark’s colonial impact and those who fought against it. This is the first ever public monument of a black woman and female leader in Denmark. Entitled “I Am Queen Mary”, the sculpture is a hybrid of both artist bodies, Belle from the Virgin Islands and Ehlers from Denmark, and is named after Queen Mary, a historical figure – and rebel queen – Mary Thomas. It marks last year’s centennial of Denmark’s sale of the Danish West Indies (now the Virgin Island) to the US. Thomas led a revolt in St Croix in 1878 after slavery was abolished to improve conditions for plantation workers and fight against contractual servitude. Known as “Queen of the Fireburn”, this was the largest labor revolt in Danish colonial history.
The transformative project is supported by SMK, The National Gallery of Denmark and the country’s largest museum and ActionAid, Denmark – an international development organization that fights poverty and injustice all over the world. The launch is also backed by The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces, the Municipality of Copenhagen and Beckett Foundation (Beckett Fonden).
“We’re thrilled to work with Issa PR given their focus on art and culture, social good and justice,” said Jeannette Ehlers & La Vaughn Belle. “This is an important story for us to tell and we need the right partner to elevate this on a global scale.”
“We are deeply honored to represent artists Jeannette Ehlers and La Vaughn Belle to raise awareness of this groundbreaking sculpture, which is the first of its kind in Denmark,” said Viet N’Guyen, CEO Issa PR. “This powerful narrative and public monument will create history in shining a light on the injustice of what transpired. We have tremendous admiration and respect for these fearless female artists, who are pushing new boundaries in art. Already recognized by The National Gallery of Denmark (SMK), ActionAid, The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces, Municipality of Copenhagen and Beckett Fonden, we hope to raise further awareness and visibility for this seminal story and launch.”
