Christiania, Copenhagen’s “Freetown”, has long been known for its hash market. Beyond the surface, art has always served as a unifying force for its residents, creating an eclectic atmosphere throughout its streets. This relationship has evolved, especially since the closure of the historic hub of Pusher Street.
September 8th, 2024, Copenhagen
Èlia Serra Abad and Giulia Pirrello
Leah Robb, a half-Danish artist who has lived in Denmark since 2014, was drawn to Christiania after an exhibition at the neighborhood’s art museum. “I came here to do portraits of Christiania, and that was a great way of getting under the surface” she explains. Among her subjects was a so-called Pusher, a hash dealer from the community’s most known asset, the Pusher Street. A street where hash was sold openly, despite its illegality in the rest of the country. Robb disagreed with his work, but still saw a friend in the Pusher, which she transferred over into her art.
While the hash market has long been a source of inspiration for Christiania’s artists, nevertheless, Robb notes “You don’t need beer, weed and stimulants to be a good artist”. The community had been battling gang violence in relation to its hash market for several years, when, just two years ago, a 23-year-old was shot dead. The tragedy drove Robb to create Cleansing, an exhibition on what the neighbourhood needed: healing and dialogue. “Art was a space that you could cross boundaries, cultures, lifestyles, where you can start conversations”, Robb says.
Since the closure of Pusher Street, Christiania has become more peaceful but quieter. Despite this, Robb envisions a future filled with creativity. “I’d love if Christiania could be a place where art and creative souls feel valued,” she also asserts, “we need art, society needs art”. As the community looks to its future Robb believes that dialogue between residents and politicians is crucial. She hopes for a reintegration of marginalised individuals through art, using creativity as a bridge to connect people back to society.