Talk in english: Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Simone Aaberg Kærn

Meet former Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen in conversation with current artist Simone Aaberg Kærn about the meanings of dreams, freedom, and opportunities in a global world — and the role of art. Simone Aaberg Kærn is exhibiting in the Group Therapy — New Contemporary Art exhibition, featuring, among other things, an airplane with which she flew from Køge to Kabul in Afghanistan. Also participating in the conversation is a young Afghan woman, Malalai Rassoli Nabazada, who will speak on behalf of Maryam, a recipient of a grant from the Lone Dybkjær Foundation, established by Poul Nyrup Rasmussen in honor of his late wife, Lone Dybkjær (1940-2020).

Open Sky

In 2002, Simone Aaberg Kærn flew in her 40-year-old Piper Colt plane from Lille Skensved in Køge to Kabul, Afghanistan, to explore whether the poetic adventure — fulfilling an Afghan girl's dream of flying — was stronger than the rules and systems that would prohibit the flight into a war zone. With her performance, she wanted to test the idea of heaven as a symbol of freedom by insisting on the possibility of meeting across borders, war zones, and traditions.

Along the way, Simone Aaberg Kærn got to know several Afghan women, including Maryam and Malalai's mothers, with whom she has kept in touch since. Malalai and Maryam represent a young generation of Afghan women, and in a conversation with Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Malalai will share their stories and dreams of education and freedom.

Their narratives give face to the challenges and hopes many women face in today's Afghanistan. It's a powerful reminder of how important it is to fight for one's dreams — even in the most limiting of circumstances.

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen was Prime Minister of Denmark during the terrorist attack on 11 September 2001, which triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan. He was married to former minister Lone Dybkjær and will talk about her work in the foundation, which has been set up in her honour to support young women's opportunities for education and equality in the world.

Advocate for women's rights and empowerment, Tahmina Salik, will contribute to the subsequent debate. Salik is, among other things, spokesperson for, and founder of, DAKDIF (Danish Afghan Women and Diaspora Forum) and a member of (AWLF) Afghan Women Leaders Forum.

The conversation aims to address the questions raised by Simone Aaberg Kærn's work “Open Sky”. It is a call to reflect on freedom, rights, and the potential that lies within each young person to change their own world — and our common world.

The talk is in English.

Price: 95 DKK - The ticket price is exclusive admission to the museum - this ticket can be purchased on the day (KLUB ARKEN has free admission to the museum - feel free to buy your membership in the webshop and pick up the member card on the day).

Photo:

Simone Aarberg Kærn

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. Foto: Arthur J. Cammelbeeck/Arthurcammelbeeck/Ritzau Scanpix

Tahmina Salik

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