Matter and
3daysofdesign · 10-12 of June 2026
Meaning.
Exhibition piece by Laura Bergsøe at Moltkes Palæ.
Galaxies Gave You Matter. Love Gave You Meaning.
Matter and Meaning is a bench created as an invitation to pause, reflection, and gratitude. The work connects the cosmic with the human, telling the story of how we are all made from stardust and love. Seated here, you can feel the warmth of the sun and the hum of bumblebees in the palm of your hand.
The massive oak plank carries traces of a life marked by freedom and strength - with large knots running its entire length, bearing witness to powerful side branches. Cracks and impacts in the wood have been carefully reinforced with silver plates, meticulously riveted in place - a symbol of healing and resilience.
The bench measures 220 cm in length, 64 cm in width, and 40 cm in height. It is crafted from Danish oak with butterfly joints of 3000-year-old Danish bog oak, 320 grams of hand-hammered silver, an iron meteorite, an iron frame with black braided leather.
Oxytocin
One of the silver plates carries the chemical formula for oxytocin — the hormone that binds humans together through love and trust.
Iron Meteorite
One of the butterfly joints is made from Campo del Cielo iron meteorite, formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago as part of our solar system.
The Signature Spike
Embedded in the bench is a silver spike that can be unscrewed. Here, the origin of the materials is engraved alongside the title of the work: “Galaxies gave you matter – love gave you meaning.”
Geometric Structure
A detail of the vibration pattern formed by the combined hum of the bumblebees and the Sun’s resonance, transmitted through the oak.
In connection with the exhibition, Laura Bergsøe will participate in a talk on when craft becomes art, the deep narratives of materials, and the meeting between traditional cabinetmaking and artistic expression.
Come meet us at Moltkes Palæ.
torsdag den 11. juni 2026 14:30-15:30
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Matter and Meaning is a bench created as a space for pause, reflection, and gratitude. The work connects cosmic origins with human connection, reminding us that we are formed from both stardust and love.
The bench measures 220 cm in length, 64 cm in width, and 40 cm in height. It is crafted from Danish oak with large, expressive knots running the entire length of the plank — evidence of powerful side branches that once extended low to the ground. This indicates the tree grew in an open space with room to spread its branches toward the sky while its roots remained firmly anchored in the earth.
The butterfly joints are made from 3000-year-old Danish bog oak, dendrochronologically dated by the National Museum. One of the butterfly joints is made from Campo del Cielo iron meteorite, which was formed about 4.5 billion years ago as part of our solar system.
Geometric Structure
By combining NASA’s recording of the Sun’s resonance with an original recording of the bumblebees humming, a unique frequency emerges — one with its own distinct vibrational signature. As these vibrations travel through oak layered with fine sand, a precise geometric structure is revealed.
Oxytocin
320 grams of hand-hammered silver plates have been carefully riveted onto the plank where cracks and impacts required reinforcement.
One of the silver plates is engraved with the chemical formula for oxytocin, the human hormone associated with love and bonding.
Signature Spike
A silver spike is integrated into the bench and can be unscrewed. Engraved on it are the origins of the materials and the title of the work: “Galaxies gave you matter – love gave you meaning.”Matter and Meaning will be exhibited at Moltkes Palæ during 3 Days of Design, where Laura Bergsøe will also give a talk on June 11, 2026, at 14:30–15:30 about artistic craftsmanship, material narratives, and the intersection between traditional cabinetmaking and contemporary art.
