Ditte Sørensen, also known as Madstitch, is an artist whose impact lingers in the memory long after encountering her work. Expressive and distinctive, her unpolished and sensual compositions come to life on an old sewing machine - a testament to her blend of traditional skills and contemporary vision. It requires full immersion into her creations, story, and process to realize the full scale of her talent. Madstitch weaves a visual language that speaks volumes of her journey both as a person and as an artist.

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Born in 1978 in the coastal city of Esbjerg and now a creative force in Copenhagen, Sørensen has been acknowledged as a visionary in the Danish art scene. Her journey from Jutland's rustic charm to the cosmopolitan vibrance of Madrid and Hamburg, and finally back to Denmark, has enriched her with diverse experiences, which she masterfully translates into her collage art.

Following her education at the Danish Handcraft Guild, 2011 marked the beginning of an extensive body of work that spans bespoke commissions and self-directed original art pieces, showcased at a variety of exhibitions.
Sørensen’s apprenticeship with textile artist Charlotte Yde was a pivotal chapter in her life, where she discovered her deep-seated passion for textile art—then her distinctive trademark.

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Sørensen's work is an exploration, the experimental nature distinguished by an acute attention to materials and detail; an innate ability to capture and portray the elusive and feminine. Her adventurous style is marked by a subtle and often humorous expression that captivates and challenges viewers. She utilizes freehand embroidery to transform textiles, paper, and water-soluble fabric into storied tapestries, sometimes incorporating auditory elements to deepen the sensory experience and immersion.

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Behind the porous structures and dangling threads of her pieces lies a rawness that mirrors the stories Sørensen tells about her innermost thoughts and creative process—a process marked by chaos and conscious errors, yet culminating in outcomes that betray nothing of the seeming disarray. The result is never coincidental. Each piece is a meticulously crafted testament to her sublime craftsmanship and perfectionism, right down to the smallest detail. Sørensen intricately balances and weaves raw narratives, touching upon the delicate intersections of identity, memory, and the essence of femininity.

Sørensen is not afraid of adopting herself into her art. In fact, she creates her art for her own fulfillment, she says. Denmark and the Danish culture have been an occasional theme and her H. C. Andersen illustrations have reached as far as China. Through the years she’s received outstanding recognition for her art, which has been displayed at prominent places such as Trapholt, part of a group design market exhibition, and at the H.C Andersen Museum with her original artwork Mermaid. 

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She is published in numerous books and articles about contemporary Danish art, where she is featured as a modern and innovative textile artist with flair and talent for creating enriching stories and imagery, such as "Metamorfose - Kunsten at Forvandle" and "Tekstilkunst i Danmark 2008-2018", and in prominent magazines like Textileartist and The Flying Fruitbowl. 
Her work 'Wonderworld' graced the cover of Camilla Kjems' "Følg Tegnene" (Follow the Signs), showcasing the symbiosis between literary and visual art. Sørensen’s textile portrait for the magazine Sally and her tribute piece 'Søstersind' (Sister) for the anniversary of "Alt for Damerne" (All for the Ladies) are testaments to her multifaceted talent.

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Sørensen's exhibitions tell a story of relentless pursuit and passion; her participation in the prestigious European Patchwork Meeting in Alsace, France, affirmed her role as an ambassador of Danish culture and craftsmanship worldwide.

The person behind Madstitch: a woman with a unique and fragile story, with a daring and uncompromising approach to her art and delivery. Sørensen continues to be a living embodiment of her work—fearless, uncompromising, and deeply personal. Her art, much like her own story, woven with threads of boldness and an unwavering commitment to her artistry. Sørensen’s work evolved from utilizing predominantly fabric and textiles in the past to nowadays mostly paper-based techniques, which can include books, magazines, and chocolate wrappers. Sørensen does not limit herself and explores literally any material from plastic bags, dried leaves and old pillows as basis for her distinct collages.

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Since establishing her own studio in 2012, Madstitch has been cementing her growing international presence. Currently Sørensen is preparing for her first solo exhibition in the USA at Unchained.Art Contemporary Gallery in Austin, Texas, in March 2023. 

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*Text elements by Uri Duvald Andersen. Translation by Brian Vandenberg. 
From the book “101 Kunstnere” (101 Artists), 2016.