Danish Originals

From his home in Portugal, suburban Copenhagen-born Danish serial entrepreneur HENRIK ZILLMER talks about AirHelp, one of many disruptive tech companies he founded that brought him to Silicon Valley and New York. He describes the concept of Justice-as-a-Service, his background in comedy and the military, and the cultural nuances in entrepreneurship in Europe, the US, and Asia. And he shares his newest ventures that take him away from technology into nature and the physical world.Henrik selects a work by Wilhelm Marstrand from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS8833(Photographer: York Hovest)This conversation occurred on October 22, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From The Royal Danish Theatre, Dallas-born, Detroit-raised, and Copenhagen-based American-Danish ballet dancer HOLLY DORGER recalls arriving in Denmark 18 years ago at age 18 to join The Royal Danish Ballet, where she subsequently was promoted from corps de ballet to soloist and principal dancer. Holly explains her at times bumpy and lonely road as an American creative in Denmark, her connection to her audiences via social media, and being knighted at age 26 by HM Queen Margrethe.Holly selects a work by an unknown artist from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS993(Photographer: Samantha Zauscher)This conversation occurred on October 20, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his home in Washington DC, Ravnsnæs-born Danish counselor of science and innovation TORBEN ORLA NIELSEN explains his new role with the Danish Embassy tracking the political framework of the US research environment as it impacts Danish research. Following seven years in Boston's Innovation Centre Denmark, Torben, a diplomat, navigates the evolving US research priorities and funding in order to assist US collaborations with Danish universities and companies.Torben selects a work by an unknown artist from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KKSgb44667(Private photograph)This conversation occurred on October 17, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From her home in Valby, Copenhagen, Elsinore-born Danish denim and jeans designer CHRISTINE DETLEFSEN finds her inspiration from the vintage world while combining sustainable and responsible innovations in fiber, fabric, and washing. Trained at Levi's, Christine recalls the years working in New York and Los Angeles, and executive producing a documentary about the unique cultural history of jeans. And she walks through how denim design requires an artistic and engineering mindset equally.Christine selects a work by Wolfgang Tillman from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KKS1996-66/32(Private photograph)This conversation occurred on October 13, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From her home in Klampenborg, Copenhagen, Central Zealand-born Danish curator, art advisor, and founder / director of ART 2030 LUISE FAURSCHOU talks about the non-profit's projects in New York City and at the UN Headquarters. With a strong belief that art changes people and people change the world, she describes a 40-year career in art that culminates in collaborations with artists, galleries, and museums to champion the art sector to help envision an interconnected and sustainable future.Luise selects a work by Tomas Saraceno from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS8613(Photograph Source: Tine Harden. Courtesy of ART 2030)This conversation occurred on October 6, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his home office in Nordhavn, Brønshoj-born Danish tech entrepreneur, author, podcaster, investor, and racing driver DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON talks about his recent move back home after the fires in Los Angeles. David recalls his start of 37 Signals, his company that developed Ruby on Rails and Basecamp, and he shares his pursuit of flow, his life philosophy in Stoicism, and his thoughts on entrepreneurship, business, media, and the cultural landscapes of the US vs. Denmark.David selects a work by El Greco from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMSsp146(Photograph Source: David Heinemeier Hansson)This conversation occurred on September 12, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

On a visit to Los Angeles, Skagen-born, Silicon Valley-based Danish designer and creative consultant LOUISE "LULU" ESCHELMAN recalls arriving in LA on a one-way ticket. She shares the vision of her company Lumilla, founded on Danish minimalism with a laidback California sensibility, that has evolved from a luxury leather to a lifestyle brand. Louise talks about giving back, how she found her footing, and her new venture to work with new artists and brands, especially from Denmark.Louise selects a work by P.S. Krøyer from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS1233(Photographer: Eji Eustaquio)This conversation occurred on September 22, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his home in Winchester, Massachusetts, Odense-born Danish astrophysicist, former soccer player, and artist SØREN MEIBOM came to the US in 1999 for his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison after a career in professional soccer, and recalls his work on NASA's Kepler mission at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. He talks about his role with the Global Curiosity Institute, and shares his vision for his third chapter fusing visual art with the language of science.Søren selects a work by Jens Søndergaard from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS4895(Photographer: Priscilla Fitzgerald)This conversation occurred on August 27, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From her home in Healdsburg, California, Hørsholm-born Danish gallerist ANNE-KATHRINE SCHJERBECK talks about the beginnings as well as latest collaborations at Gallery Lulo that merges craft with art and design with a Danish minimalist sensibility. She recalls growing up in Kenya and Zambia where her parents were diplomats, how she felt affinity with the African-American community when she lived in New Orleans, and how climate change post-Katrina brought her out west.Anne-Kathrine selects a work by Vilhelm Hammershøi from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS3696(Photographer: Amy Debonis)This conversation occurred on August 11, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From the research facilities of Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen-born, Lexington, Massachusetts-based Danish scientist and senior vice president JACOB STEN PETERSEN talks about his 35-year career working in developing drugs to support patients with serious chronic diseases, and his 25-year long work and personal investment in finding a cure for diabetes. Jacob further shares his thoughts on the cultures between Denmark and the US regarding the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare system.Jacob selects a work by Per Kirkeby from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS8278(Photographer: Greg M. Cooper)This conversation occurred on August 14, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

Fredensborg-born, West Hollywood, Los Angeles-based Danish actress, voiceover artist, and writer MARIE BROCK talks about a creative life in the entertainment industry that is characteristically self-motivating. Marie recalls her path to LA via New York and London, and shares her deep experience in voice work and her passion for developing dimensional characters. And she introduces her latest writing project, a Nordic Noir tv crime drama that speaks to her two worlds, Denmark and America.Marie talks about the Matisse: The Red Studio exhibition at SMK.https://www.smk.dk/en/exhibition/henri-matisse-the-red-studio/(Photographer: Zadran Wali)This conversation occurred on August 13, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From her new apartment in Miami, Florida, Sønderborg-born and recent New Yorker Danish scientist and gynecologist MARIE FOEGH shares her research findings on hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. With clinics in both New York and Copenhagen, Marie talks about her six-decade-long path in medicine, most of which based in the US, and the different attitudes on women's health over the years both in Denmark and the US.Marie selects a work by Amedeo Modigliani from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMSr145(Photographer: Danielle Richards)This conversation occurred on August 21, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

Vesterbro-born and Beachwood Canyon, Los Angeles-based Danish tv and film colorist FREDERIK BOKKENHEUSER recalls his path from Denmark to LA as a drummer in 2007. He talks about the creative and technical aspects of his work at Picture Shop, the diversity of projects he encounters, the evolving post-production technological landscape, and the thrill in working alongside directors, directors of photography, producers. Lastly, as a Dodgers fan, he discusses his passion for baseball.Frederik selects a work by C.A. Jensen from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS7660(Photographer: Thomas Hjorth)This conversation occurred on July 9, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From the renovated Gensler offices in Downtown Los Angeles, Århus-born Danish architect MICHAEL MØLLER PEDERSEN recalls his plan to move to LA with his wife in 2005 for a ten-year trial period. 20 years later, as project architect and technical director, he discusses architecture as a focus on the human experience, the role of sustainability, what makes a good architect, his appetite for large, complex projects, and the topic of heritage as a Dane living in the US raising his young daughter.Michael selects a work by Vilhelm Hammershøi from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS3696(Photographer: Ryan Gobuty)This conversation occurred on July 11, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From Bloomberg Originals in Midtown Manhattan, Horsens-born, Brooklyn-based Emmy-nominated Danish documentary director and producer SARAH HOLM JOHANSEN describes Season 4 of her series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller that garnered 29 Emmy nominations and 4 wins. Sarah recalls the start of her career in investigative journalism in New York on 60 Minutes, and traveling the world as a freelancer. And she revisits Denmark through the lens of her New York life and work.Sarah selects a work attributed to Adam de Coster from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMSsp810(Photographer: Lizzie Sullivan)This conversation occurred on July 8, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his Nørlum office in Viborg, South Korea-born Danish animation producer and studio CEO CLAUS TOKSVIG KJÆR recalls how the trajectory of his company changed upon the Oscar nomination of his hand-drawn, animated feature film Song of the Sea (2014). Claus has traveled to Los Angeles for over 50 times, and talks about the US mindset necessary in his work. He describes his latest project Dante, the new creative direction for Nørlum, and his decision to prioritize what's valuable in life.Claus selects a work by Søren Henrik Petersen from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/Kks13868f(Photographer: Elena Ø. Alexa)This conversation occurred on June 3, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

Gentofte-born and Santa Monica, Los Angeles-based Danish creative coach and dream tender LOUISE ROSAGER describes her multilayered approach working with writers, actors, and artists using their own dreams as a new language for their storytelling and creative expression. Louise also talks about how her love for Shakespeare brought her to the US over 20 years ago, and revisits the tv series about young Shakespeare entitled Will (2017), which she conceived and served as executive producer.Louise selects a work by Oluf Hartmann from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KKS10756(Photographer: Aliana Turkel)This conversation occurred on June 11, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his home studio in Copenhagen, Copenhagen-born Danish architect and urban planner JAN GEHL recalls the start of his 65-year-long career focused on people and public life in cities, beginning with Copenhagen. Jan highlights his writings that changed mindsets and his transformation of international cities that became people-centered, and credits like-minded city planners and politicians. In particular, he talks about his 2007–9 work in New York City with the Bloomberg administration.Jan selects a work by Hans Scherfig from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KKS2016-2(Photographer: Kåre Gade)This conversation occurred on May 27, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

From his apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York, Gentofte-born Danish-Spanish-Brazilian restaurateur SEBASTIAN PEREZ recalls growing up in Copenhagen until he was six, and moving to New York at 13. Having opened his fourth location in East Williamsburg, Sebastian reflects on the early bootstrapping days of Smør, created with his partner and fellow Dane, Sebastian Bangsgaard, and his vision of providing approachable Danish/Scandinavian food to New Yorkers.Sebastian selects a work by Wolfgang Tillmans from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KKS1996-66/33(Photographer: Paul Quitoriano)This conversation occurred on April 24, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, from his home in the Garden District of New Orleans, Holbæk-born Danish tenor saxophonist and composer CHRISTIAN WINTHER recalls moving to "The Big Easy" in 1997 to play with and learn from some of his jazz idols. Staying true to the birthplace of American jazz and also continually innovating, Christian talks about performing on the stages of the iconic Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor, recording in New York, and traveling the world to play.Christian selects a work by P.S. Krøyer from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMS1834(Photographer: Richard Thompson)This conversation occurred on July 10, 2025.----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst