‘Survival of the Fattest’ in Ringkøbing, Denmark
In the quiet fjord town of Ringkøbing, Denmark, stands a bronze sculpture that few forget after seeing. A massive Western woman sits on the back of a starving African man. In her hands she holds the scales of justice. The work, titled Survival of the Fattest, is a biting critique of global inequality.
Danish artist Jens Galschiøt created the 11-foot-tall (3.5-meter) sculpture in 2002. His subject is the allegorical Lady Justice, traditionally shown blindfolded to indicate impartiality. Here, her closed eyes give the impression that she chooses not to see what is happening beneath her.
The woman’s bulk rests heavily on the young man below, whose sharply defined ribs and narrow shoulders hint at long-term hunger. A plaque below bears a Danish inscription: “I sit on a man’s back. He is sinking under my burden. I will do everything to help him. Except step down from his back.”
The sculpture first arrived in Ringkøbing in 2006 as a temporary exhibit. Locals were so moved by its message that they raised funds to buy it. The following year it was installed permanently on the town’s harbor square, where fishing boats and seaside cafés provide a striking contrast to its grim theme.
