Fenhann treats his carefully selected materials with great respect and processes his pieces with painstaking precision. He is also no stranger to constantly switching between workbench and digital tools: using traditional, sometimes even almost forgotten craft techniques and combining them with high-tech processes.
Blending sculptural elements with functionality is one of his strong suits. His ‘Naguri’ bench, named after a Japanese technique, changes its surface effect depending on the incidence of light. Its surface almost looks like breaking waves in the sea.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Østerbro, Copenhagen and work in Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
My district is a quiet area of Copenhagen. Nearby we have the Harbour and also large lakes. I like to go somewhere where I can see the water and its reflections in the light. There are also many beautiful parks in Copenhagen.
© Daniel Rasmussen
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
The biggest issues – in my point of view – is the climate crisis. The war taking place in Ukraine is also a big problem.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
The economy has definitely developed well in the last 5 years. Since the 1980s, Copenhagen’s population has changed from poor and unemployed residents to mostly well-educated and wealthy residents. Also many people have moved to the city. As a result, however, general rents have doubled, resulting in a less diverse city. The need for new housing has also led to the problem that the attractive industrial areas in Copenhagen have been overdeveloped. I believe that this trend is very difficult to reverse.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
I love how extraordinary the Danish bakeries have become in the last 5 years. Its expensive but worth it. Here are two of the best:
The annual Crafts and Design Fair at Frue Plads in August is always an interesting place to meet some of Copenhagen’s best artisans.
© Juno Bakery
Do you have a secret restaurant tip you would like to share with us?
Copenhagen has a very vibrant restaurant scene, new restaurants come and go all the time. A few small places I have visited lately in Vesterbro are:
© Magnus Omme, Bar La Una
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
If you like cooking, there is a very charming high quality cooking utensils shop in central Copenhagen named Kunst og Køkkentøj.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
In Denmark we love to check the weather forecasts. I prefer the YR app for this.
Another nice app is TooGoodToGo where you can find cheap food that shops and restaurants sell before closing time.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I read my news on the national broadcast apps like TV2 and DR.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would spend more energy to develop the surrounding suburbs of Copenhagen and stop the agressive development of the last industrial areas of the city and leave them to keep city as a diverse hub.
© Daniel Rasmussen
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?
I have travelled to Japan several times and have many friends there. I would love to live there for a longer period of time.
© Courtesy of the artist
