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Jörgen Thornberg
Big fish in a small pond, 2023
Digital
70 x 70 cm
3 500 kr
It's not every day that Malmö is visited by a cheerful Orca performing acrobatic feats in the moat outside Malmöhus Castle. Colourful he was, too, Moby Doll, as he had donned a harlequin costume. Since Moby is colourblind and sees the world in grayscale, he can only enjoy the suit's splendour through hearsay. However, the pattern displayed in gray is decorative as well. The dive he made outside the citadel, with two and a half backward somersaults with a twist, would make any diver pale with envy.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) are often called killer whales, even though they rarely attack humans. The killer whale was initially named "whale killer," as ancient sailors saw them hunting in groups to take down large whales.
Orca comes from their scientific name, which means 'demon from hell' in Latin. This term was likely used to describe their powerful and awe-inspiring nature, not imply hostility. Killer whales are so-called apex predators, a term that describes the top predators in an ecosystem without natural predators. They hunt in packs, like wolves, unchallenged at the top of the food chain.
Orcas continually prove there are more things in the ocean than our science dreams of. However, various factors severely threaten their survival, including pollution, climate change, and overfishing. These are real and immediate threats to their existence. Scientists warn that if orcas can't survive, we won't either. This stark reality underscores the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
The orca is a symbol often centred around luck, compassion and family. Orcas hold a deep cultural significance to some Indigenous communities, who see them as the guardians of the sea. This reverence for orcas is a testament to their power and importance in the natural world. To some people, orcas represent the strength of love and family bonds because of their assertive group behaviour. While no one is certain why this is happening, we know that orcas are one of the most intelligent species on Earth, capable of problem-solving, communicating and even creating culture within their social groups. They can coordinate attacks, even if we don't understand their motivations. Killer whales produce whistles, echolocation clicks, pulsed calls, low-frequency pops, and jaw claps. A killer whale makes sounds by moving air between nasal sacs in the blowhole region. In contrast, a human makes sound by forcing air through the larynx. Male orcas are much larger and heavier than females, growing as long as ten metres and weighing 11 tons.
Killer whales are one of the few mammalian species that can learn and reproduce new sounds. There’s no chance you could teach your dog to meow or the cat to bark. It’s a scarce ability to understand sounds and reproduce them like we can do as humans. The calls Moby Doll made sixty years ago in the North Sea—we still hear today from his kin group that still exists. If all roads lead to Rome, all oceans lead to Moby Doll.
Some people can understand and appreciate the cultural significance of orcas, while others may not. Moby Doll knows he’s not a Harlequin; he likes the costume, referring to his playful nature.
Harlequin often plays a comedic role as his master's servant and is lovesick for his beloved Colombina, a character frequently portrayed as a maidservant or a lady's companion. He is resourceful and usually the driving force in the performance, always in motion and setting the rhythm with his breathtaking acrobatic antics. His performances have managed to fool the eye of the susceptible, as they are genuinely breathtaking acrobatics, not unlike those performed by a great fish in the moat of Malmöhus Castle.
Malmöhus Castle, the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, built in 1526, is a significant backdrop for Harlequin's performances. The old stones have seen dangerous kings and mortal criminals in the neighbourhood. Fish from the Öresund find their way into Malmö's canal system, and people often sit and fish right where the killer whale performs its acrobatic leap, adding to the unique atmosphere of Harlequin's shows.
Harlequin, the mischievous trickster of commedia dell'arte, is not only known for his colourful attire but also for his lively and entertaining antics that have captured the imagination of audiences for centuries.
Dressed in a vibrant patchwork of colours, Harlequin's costume reflects his playful and eccentric personality. His iconic attire typically consists of a tight-fitting tunic adorned with diamond-shaped patterns in a kaleidoscope of hues, including bright reds, blues, and yellows, paired with loose-fitting trousers and a matching mask featuring a mischievous grin. With his dazzling costume and distinctive mask, Harlequin cuts a striking figure on stage, instantly recognisable and full of character.
Harlequin's charm, wit, and ability to outsmart his fellow characters and exploit any situation make him a beloved figure in the theatre world. Whether he's outwitting his rivals, playing pranks on unsuspecting victims, or embarking on wild adventures, Harlequin's boundless energy and irreverent humour never fail to entertain, leaving the audience amused and delighted.
One of Harlequin's most famous traits is his agility and acrobatic prowess, which he often uses to evade capture or navigate tricky situations. With nimble footwork and impressive feats of athleticism, Harlequin dances across the stage with grace and precision, leaving audiences in awe of his skill and talent and fostering a sense of admiration in the audience.
But what distinguishes Harlequin is his irrepressible spirit of mischief and his knack for finding joy and laughter even in dire circumstances. Regardless of the situation, Harlequin approaches life with optimism and lightheartedness, spreading cheer and laughter wherever he goes. His playful antics serve as a constant reminder to embrace the joy of living and to find humour in the everyday absurdities of life, leaving people watching entertained and amused.
In the realm of commedia dell'arte, Harlequin is more than just a character; he's a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of laughter. With his vibrant costume, quick wit, and boundless energy, Harlequin continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the joy and wonder that can be found in the theatre. His enduring significance commands respect and admiration, making him a beloved figure in the world of performance arts, inspiring and earning the respect of his followers.
So, the next time you see a figure dressed in a patchwork of colours, with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye, remember that you're in the presence of Harlequin, the beloved trickster of the stage, whose playful antics and colourful murdering have captivated audiences for generations.
Jörgen Thornberg
Big fish in a small pond, 2023
Digital
70 x 70 cm
3 500 kr
It's not every day that Malmö is visited by a cheerful Orca performing acrobatic feats in the moat outside Malmöhus Castle. Colourful he was, too, Moby Doll, as he had donned a harlequin costume. Since Moby is colourblind and sees the world in grayscale, he can only enjoy the suit's splendour through hearsay. However, the pattern displayed in gray is decorative as well. The dive he made outside the citadel, with two and a half backward somersaults with a twist, would make any diver pale with envy.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) are often called killer whales, even though they rarely attack humans. The killer whale was initially named "whale killer," as ancient sailors saw them hunting in groups to take down large whales.
Orca comes from their scientific name, which means 'demon from hell' in Latin. This term was likely used to describe their powerful and awe-inspiring nature, not imply hostility. Killer whales are so-called apex predators, a term that describes the top predators in an ecosystem without natural predators. They hunt in packs, like wolves, unchallenged at the top of the food chain.
Orcas continually prove there are more things in the ocean than our science dreams of. However, various factors severely threaten their survival, including pollution, climate change, and overfishing. These are real and immediate threats to their existence. Scientists warn that if orcas can't survive, we won't either. This stark reality underscores the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
The orca is a symbol often centred around luck, compassion and family. Orcas hold a deep cultural significance to some Indigenous communities, who see them as the guardians of the sea. This reverence for orcas is a testament to their power and importance in the natural world. To some people, orcas represent the strength of love and family bonds because of their assertive group behaviour. While no one is certain why this is happening, we know that orcas are one of the most intelligent species on Earth, capable of problem-solving, communicating and even creating culture within their social groups. They can coordinate attacks, even if we don't understand their motivations. Killer whales produce whistles, echolocation clicks, pulsed calls, low-frequency pops, and jaw claps. A killer whale makes sounds by moving air between nasal sacs in the blowhole region. In contrast, a human makes sound by forcing air through the larynx. Male orcas are much larger and heavier than females, growing as long as ten metres and weighing 11 tons.
Killer whales are one of the few mammalian species that can learn and reproduce new sounds. There’s no chance you could teach your dog to meow or the cat to bark. It’s a scarce ability to understand sounds and reproduce them like we can do as humans. The calls Moby Doll made sixty years ago in the North Sea—we still hear today from his kin group that still exists. If all roads lead to Rome, all oceans lead to Moby Doll.
Some people can understand and appreciate the cultural significance of orcas, while others may not. Moby Doll knows he’s not a Harlequin; he likes the costume, referring to his playful nature.
Harlequin often plays a comedic role as his master's servant and is lovesick for his beloved Colombina, a character frequently portrayed as a maidservant or a lady's companion. He is resourceful and usually the driving force in the performance, always in motion and setting the rhythm with his breathtaking acrobatic antics. His performances have managed to fool the eye of the susceptible, as they are genuinely breathtaking acrobatics, not unlike those performed by a great fish in the moat of Malmöhus Castle.
Malmöhus Castle, the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, built in 1526, is a significant backdrop for Harlequin's performances. The old stones have seen dangerous kings and mortal criminals in the neighbourhood. Fish from the Öresund find their way into Malmö's canal system, and people often sit and fish right where the killer whale performs its acrobatic leap, adding to the unique atmosphere of Harlequin's shows.
Harlequin, the mischievous trickster of commedia dell'arte, is not only known for his colourful attire but also for his lively and entertaining antics that have captured the imagination of audiences for centuries.
Dressed in a vibrant patchwork of colours, Harlequin's costume reflects his playful and eccentric personality. His iconic attire typically consists of a tight-fitting tunic adorned with diamond-shaped patterns in a kaleidoscope of hues, including bright reds, blues, and yellows, paired with loose-fitting trousers and a matching mask featuring a mischievous grin. With his dazzling costume and distinctive mask, Harlequin cuts a striking figure on stage, instantly recognisable and full of character.
Harlequin's charm, wit, and ability to outsmart his fellow characters and exploit any situation make him a beloved figure in the theatre world. Whether he's outwitting his rivals, playing pranks on unsuspecting victims, or embarking on wild adventures, Harlequin's boundless energy and irreverent humour never fail to entertain, leaving the audience amused and delighted.
One of Harlequin's most famous traits is his agility and acrobatic prowess, which he often uses to evade capture or navigate tricky situations. With nimble footwork and impressive feats of athleticism, Harlequin dances across the stage with grace and precision, leaving audiences in awe of his skill and talent and fostering a sense of admiration in the audience.
But what distinguishes Harlequin is his irrepressible spirit of mischief and his knack for finding joy and laughter even in dire circumstances. Regardless of the situation, Harlequin approaches life with optimism and lightheartedness, spreading cheer and laughter wherever he goes. His playful antics serve as a constant reminder to embrace the joy of living and to find humour in the everyday absurdities of life, leaving people watching entertained and amused.
In the realm of commedia dell'arte, Harlequin is more than just a character; he's a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of laughter. With his vibrant costume, quick wit, and boundless energy, Harlequin continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the joy and wonder that can be found in the theatre. His enduring significance commands respect and admiration, making him a beloved figure in the world of performance arts, inspiring and earning the respect of his followers.
So, the next time you see a figure dressed in a patchwork of colours, with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye, remember that you're in the presence of Harlequin, the beloved trickster of the stage, whose playful antics and colourful murdering have captivated audiences for generations.
3 500 kr
Jörgen Thornberg
Malmö
Lite om bilder och mig. Translation in English at the end.
Jag är en nyfiken person som ser allt i bilder, även det jag fäster i ord, gärna tillsammans för bakom alla mina bilder finns en berättelse. Till vissa bilder hör en kortare eller längre novell som följer med bilden.
Bilder berättar historier. Jag omges av naturlig skönhet, intressanta människor och historia var jag än går. Jag använder min kamera för att dokumentera världen och blanda det jag ser med vad jag känner för att fånga den dolda magin.
Mina bilder berättar mina historier. Genom mina bilder, tryck och berättelser. Jag bjuder in dig att ta del av dessa berättelser, in i ditt liv och hem och dela min mycket personliga syn på vår värld. Mer än vad ögat ser. Jag tänker i bilder, drömmer och skriver och pratar om dem; följaktligen måste jag också skapa bilder. De blir vad jag ser, inte nödvändigtvis begränsade till verkligheten. Det finns en bild runt varje hörn. Jag hoppas att du kommer att se vad jag såg och gilla det.
Jag är också en skrivande person och till många bilder hör en kortare eller längre essay. Den följer med tavlan, tryckt på fint papper och med en personlig hälsning från mig.
Flertalet bilder startar sin resa i min kamera. Enkelt förklarat beskriver jag bilden jag ser i mitt inre, upplevd eller fantiserad. Bilden uppstår inom mig redan innan jag fått okularet till ögat. På bråkdelen av ett ögonblick ser jag vad jag vill ha och vad som kan göras med bilden. Här skall jag stoppa in en giraff, stålmannen, Titanic eller vad det är min fantasi finner ut. Ännu märkligare är att jag kommer ihåg minnesbilden långt efteråt när det blir tid att skapa verket. Om jag lyckas eller inte, är upp till betraktaren, oftast präglat av en stråk av svart humor – meningen är att man skall bli underhållen. Mina bilder blir ofta en snackis där de hänger.
Jag föredrar bilder som förmedlar ett budskap i flera lager. Vid första anblicken fylld av feel-good, en vacker utsikt, fint väder, solen skiner, blommor på ängen eller vattnet som ligger förrädiskt spegelblankt. I en sådan bild kan jag gömma min egentliga berättelse, mitt förakt för förtryckare och våldsverkare, rasister och fördomsfulla människor - ett gärna återkommande motiv mer eller mindre dolt i det vackra motivet. Jag försöker förena dem i ett gemensamt narrativ.
Bild och formgivning har löpt som en röd tråd genom livet. Fotokonst känns som en värdig final som jag gärna delar med mig.
Min genre är vid som framgår av mina bilder, temat en blandning av pop- och gatukonst i kollage som kan bestå av hundratals lager. Vissa bilder kan ta veckor, andra någon dag innan det är dags att överlämna resultatet till printverkstaden. Fine Art Prints är digitala fotocollage. I dessa kollage sker rivandet, klippandet, pusslandet, målandet, ritandet och sprayningen digitalt. Det jag monterar in kan vara hundratals år gamla bilder som jag omsorgsfullt frilägger så att de ser ut att vara en del av tavlan men också bilder skapade av mig själv efter min egen fantasi. Därefter besöks printstudion och för vissa bilder numrera en limiterad upplaga (oftast 7 exemplar) och signera för hand. Vissa bilder kan köpas i olika format. Det är bara att fråga efter vilka. Gillar man en bild som är 70x100 men inte har plats på väggen, går den kanske att få i 50x70 cm istället. Frågan är fri.
Metoden Giclée eller Fine Art Print som det också kallas är det moderna sättet för framställning av grafisk konst. Villkoret för denna typ av utskrifter är att en högkvalitativ storformatskrivare används med åldersbeständigt färgpigment och konstnärspapper eller i förekommande fall på duk. Pappret som används möter de krav på livslängd som ställs av museer och gallerier. Normalt säljer jag mina bilder oinramade så att den nya ägaren själv kan bestämma hur de skall se ut, med eller utan passepartout färg på ram, med eller utan glas etc..
Under många år ställde jag bara ut på nätet, i valda grupper och på min egen Facebooksida - https://www.facebook.com/jorgen.thornberg.9
Jag finns också på en egen hemsida som tyvärr inte alltid är uppdaterad – https://www.jth.life/ Där kan du också läsa en del av de berättelser som följer med bilden.
UTSTÄLLNINGAR
Luftkastellet, oktober 2022
Konst i Lund, november 2022
Luftkastellet, mars 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, april 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, oktober 2023
Toppen, Höllviken december 2023
Luftkastellet, mars 2024
Torups Galleri, mars 2024
Venice, May 2024
Luftkastellet, oktober 2024
Konst i Advent, December 2024
Galleri Engleson, Caroli December 2024
Jäger & Jansson Galleri, april 2025
A bit about pictures and me.
I'm a curious person who sees everything in pictures, even what I express in words, often combining them, for behind all my pictures lies a story. These narratives, some as short as a single image and others as long as a novel, are the heart and soul of my work.
Pictures tell stories. Wherever I go, I'm surrounded by natural beauty, exciting people, and history. I use my camera to document the world and blend what I see with what I feel to capture the hidden magic.
My images tell my stories. Through my pictures, prints, and narratives, I invite you to partake in these stories in your life and home and share my deeply personal perspective of our world. More than meets the eye. I think in pictures, dream, write, and talk about them; consequently, I must create images too. They become what I see, not necessarily confined to reality. There's a picture around every corner. I hope you'll see what I saw and enjoy it.
I'm also a writer, and many images come with a shorter or longer essay. It accompanies the painting, printed on fine paper with my personal greeting.
Many pictures start their journey on my camera. Simply put, I describe the image I see in my mind, experienced or imagined. The image arises within me even before I bring the eyepiece to my eye. In a fraction of a moment, I see what I want and what can be done with the picture. Here, I'll insert a giraffe, Superman, the Titanic, or whatever my imagination conjures up. Even stranger is that I remember the mental image long after it's time to create the work. Whether I succeed is up to the observer, often imbued with a streak of black humour – the aim is to entertain. My pictures usually become a talking point wherever they hang.
I prefer pictures that convey a message in multiple layers. At first glance, they're filled with feel-good vibes, a beautiful view, lovely weather, the sun shining, flowers in the meadow, or the water lying deceptively calm. But beneath this surface beauty, I often conceal a deeper story, a narrative that challenges societal norms or explores the human condition. I invite you to delve into these hidden narratives and discover the layers of meaning within my work.
Picture and design have been a thread running through my life. Photographic art feels like a fitting finale, and I'm happy to share it.
My genre is varied, as seen in my pictures; the theme is a blend of pop and street art in collages that can consist of hundreds of layers. Some images can take weeks, others just a day before it's time to hand over the result to the print workshop. Fine Art Prints are digital photo collages. In these collages, tearing, cutting, puzzling, painting, drawing, and spraying happen digitally. What I insert can be images hundreds of years old that I carefully extract so they appear to be part of the painting, but also images created by myself, now also generated from my imagination. Next, visit the print studio and, for certain images, number a limited edition (usually 7 copies) and sign them by hand. Some images may be available in other formats. Just ask which ones. If you like an image that's 70x100 but doesn't have space on the wall, you might be able to get it in 50x70 cm instead. The question is open.
The Giclée method, or Fine Art Print as it's also called, is the modern way of producing graphic art. This method ensures the highest quality and longevity of the artwork, using a high-quality large-format printer with archival pigment inks and artist paper or, in some cases, canvas. The paper used meets the longevity requirements set by museums and galleries. I sell my pictures unframed, allowing the new owner to personalise their artwork, confident in the lasting value and quality of the piece.
For many years, I only exhibited online, in selected groups, and on my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/jorgen.thornberg.9. I also have my website, which unfortunately is not constantly updated - https://www.jth.life/. You can also read some of the stories accompanying the pictures there.
EXHIBITIONS
Luftkastellet, October 2022
Art in Lund, November 2022
Luftkastellet, March 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, April 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, October 2023
Toppen, Höllviken December 2023
Luftkastellet, March 2024
Torup Gallery, March 2024
Venice, May 2024
UTSTÄLLNINGAR
Luftkastellet, oktober 2022
Konst i Lund, november 2022
Luftkastellet, mars 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, april 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, oktober 2023
Toppen, Höllviken december 2023
Luftkastellet, mars 2024
Torups Galleri, mars 2024
Venice, May 2024
Luftkastellet, October 2024
Konst i Advent, December 2024
Galleri Engleson, Caroli December 2024
Jäger & Jansson Galleri, April 2025
Utbildning
Autodidakt
Medlem i konstnärsförening
Öppna Sinnen
Med i konstrunda
Konstrundan i Skåne
Utställningar
Luftkastellet, October 2022
Art in Lund, November 2022
Luftkastellet, March 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, April 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, October 2023
Toppen, Höllviken December 2023
Luftkastellet, March 2024
Torup Gallery, March 2024
Venice, May 2024