In December 2023, VisitDenmark, the Danish Embassy in Paris, Le Bicolore and Art Music Denmark launched an open call for a sound art piece to be presented in the Danish pavilion in Paris during the 2024 Olympics as part of a cultural program curated by VisitDenmark. The choice fell on the audiovisual work “Mirage” from 2023 by percussionist and composer Ying-Hsueh Chen, who has received acclaim abroad as well as in the Danish press. Besides being showcased in the Danish pavilion, the work will also be exhibited at the Danish Student House in Paris.

In connection with the selection of the work, the judging committee emphasized the high artistic quality, and that it can be appreciated by a wide range of people due to its spontaneous nature, meditative calm, and interpretive possibilities, including from a climate perspective, which also resonates with the program’s themes. Additionally, the work speaks to the proud architectural heritage of Denmark as it poetically depicts and interacts with Brønshøj Water Tower both visually and musically, and it also references French music history by nodding to the French composer Erik Satie.

Regarding the collaboration and the rationale behind the selection of Ying-Hsueh Chen’s work, Catherine Lefebvre, press and cultural manager at the Danish Embassy in Paris, says: “Through a unique collaboration, we have sought to reach the highest artistic level as a commendation to the elite sport represented by the Olympic Games. With strong contemporary themes, we believe that ‘Mirage’ addresses a Danish and global agenda with great artistic abundance. We are very excited to present the work both in the Danish pavilion and at the Danish Student House in Paris.”

About the Danish Pavilion in Paris

During the 17 Olympic days, visitors from around the world can experience the best of Denmark in the Danish pavilion at Denmark House in Paris and at the Danish Church, Frederik’s Church. The public program can be experienced from July 26 to August 11, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The program focuses on quality of life, Danish ideas and skills and sustainable solutions regarding the global fight against climate change, declining health and well-being, among other issues. VisitDenmark, along with the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, leads the initiative, which is also supported by the philanthropic association Realdania.

About the Collaboration

The selection of the sound art piece was based on a 2023 open call, which resulted from a collaboration between Art Music Denmark, the Danish Embassy in Paris and their gallery Le Bicolore as well as VisitDenmark. The selection committee included representatives from VisitDenmark, the Danish Embassy in Paris / Le Bicolore and Art Music Denmark’s impartial Music Committee.

For questions about the selected work, contact:

Catherine Lefebvre, press and cultural manager at the Danish Embassy in Paris: +33 6 77 34 83 21 / cathas@um.dk

For questions about the Danish pavilion, contact:

Lasse Emil Kristiansen, PR & Press Manager at VisitDenmark: +45 31 41 53 90 / laekri@visitdenmark.com