Ann's Back by Teddy Hansen

Mixed media on canvas. 
2024 

This painting is part of FATHERLAND, an exhibition by Teddy Hansen.

Maybe Danish people are happy because everything is water off a duck’s back?

When I lived in Denmark, there were ducks everywhere who would sleep wherever they wanted: under my car, in the middle of the road, on people’s porches. They were unfazed by the people, and, in turn, they received their respect. The saying “water off a duck’s back” comes to mind, not only because it is about ducks but because it encapsulates the Danish way of life.

The painting shows a giant duck with a bed on its back, as ducks sleep with their heads nuzzled backwards under their wings. Water sprays off its back, creating puddles on the floor.