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Jörgen Thornberg
The Old Man and the Sea, 2018
Digital
50 x 70 cm
I saw him near Kodylenia, the restaurant in Kamini where we were heading. He gazed at the strait, lost in deep thoughts, a scene instantly brought to mind Santiago, the fisherman from 'The Old Man and the Sea'. It wasn't just his face, the slightly grey moustache and stubbled captain's beard, And a weathered, sun-kissed countenance reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway's. His dark hair was extended at the back, bleached by the sun, except for the temples, which were grey as his beard. It was as if Santiago had stepped out of the book's pages and into our world.
Before him lay one of Hydra's marvellous sunsets, a sight that seemed to mirror the depth of his contemplation. The man, neither young nor too old, had a lifetime's history painted on his face, a canvas of experiences. Perched on his nose was a pair of reading glasses with a string around his neck, symbolising his intellectual curiosity. He was casually dressed, wearing a well-worn pair of khakis, sneakers, and a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a testament to his practicality. On his knee, he held a plastic bag from Mitsiou, the supermarket in the heart of Hydra's port, a mundane detail that hinted at a life beyond this moment. He gazed intently over the rim of his glasses towards the still waters, disturbed only by the occasional passing boat, a man lost in his thoughts, a mystery waiting to be unravelled.
Amidst the vast expanse of Hydra blue,
It is a tale of resilience, old and true.
"The Old Man and the Sea," they say,
An Aegean journey that lights the way.
In a weathered boat, Jorgos sails,
An old-time fisherman, his spirit prevails.
Beneath the sun's scorching heat,
He ventures forth with determined feat.
'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is a timeless masterpiece that delves into the universal themes of human determination, resilience, and the indomitable spirit. Through the captivating narrative of an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, Hemingway explores the struggle against external forces and the significance of personal triumph. Set against the backdrop of the sea, this novella serves as a metaphorical journey that resonates with the essence of life and the pursuit of one's dreams. Whether we name him Adonis, Theo, Jorgos or Sebastian, the Hemingway drama is timeless and universal. A swordfish is a mighty and dangerous opponent fighting for its life. When reading, put one of Hydra's fishermen in the context, at least the ones that still existed some decades ago.
In his solitary struggle, Santiago encounters the relentless forces of nature. The battle between the older man and the fish metaphorically represents the struggle between man and nature. Climate change. Do I have to say more? You find the fisherman in many places, on sea or land, everywhere the fight goes on. Women readers change any name to a female; the tale is not about gender but individuals and personalities. The type of human Hemingway describes may have any occupation when fighting for life.
Please read the full story and learn more about this epic tale.
'The Old Man and the Sea' is a Tale of Resilience and the Human Spirit. It focuses on Santiago's unwavering resilience in adversity. Despite his age and unsuccessful fishing trips, Santiago refuses to succumb to despair. He embodies the essence of human determination, demonstrating the unwavering belief that success is not measured solely by victory but by the willingness to persevere in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His relentless pursuit of the marlin becomes a metaphor for the human struggle against external forces that can either shape or break one's spirit.
The Battle with Nature
In his solitary voyage on the vast sea, Santiago encounters the relentless forces of nature. The battle between the older man and the billfish metaphorically represents the struggle between man and nature. Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, Hemingway portrays the unyielding power of the sea and the unpredictability of life. Santiago's tireless efforts to catch the fish symbolise humanity's eternal quest for control and dominance over the natural world. Yet, despite his strength and skill, Santiago acknowledges his place in the grand order of nature, displaying humility and respect for its power. I call him Jorgos, but his name could be anybody's; you find his type in a Norwegian fjord, a South American desert, an Asian tundra, an African jungle, or the flat next door. It is not a question about ethnicity or culture; this is universal. And important.
The Loneliness of Human Existence
The Hemingway epic also delves into human solitude and the inherent isolation of pursuing one's dreams. Santiago's solitude at sea accentuates the profound loneliness often accompanying personal quests. He finds solace in his thoughts and engages in introspection, contemplating his place in the universe. Hemingway masterfully portrays Santiago's internal struggles, reminding readers of the universal human experience of grappling with existential questions while persevering through isolation.
The Triumph of the Human Spirit
While the older man's physical battle with the billfish ultimately ends in defeat, Santiago's spirit remains unbroken. His ability to find meaning and purpose beyond mere success or failure underscores the theme of personal triumph. Hemingway emphasises the value of resilience and determination, highlighting that true victory lies in one's ability to maintain integrity, courage, and unwavering pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of the outcome.
"The Old Man and the Sea" is an enduring masterpiece that explores the depths of the human spirit. Hemingway's portrayal of Santiago's struggle against external forces, his solitude at sea, and his triumph of spirit leave a lasting impression on readers. This poignant tale serves as a reminder that true success is not solely measured by external achievements but by one's resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of personal goals. Through the character of Santiago, Hemingway inspires us to embrace life's challenges, to find meaning amidst adversity, and to cultivate an indomitable spirit that can weather any storm.
Don't hide behind a name
So, Jorgos, Adam, Liam, Luca, Aleksi, Aljaž, Anatoly, Ariel, Mohammed, Bandile, Benicio, Bō, Dai or whatever you are called, learn from this tale never to give up, and continue your fight for a better world, again and again. It is never too late; tomorrow is another day with new possibilities. Sitting on a bench on Hydra watching the sea is an excellent way to prepare for that day. And Mary, this is about you too.
My favourite poet, Leonard Cohen, missed the naval environment despite living in Hydra, surrounded by sea for many years. Cohen's lyrical and poetic compositions primarily explored themes of love, spirituality, human relationships, and existential reflections. While he may have occasionally referenced aquatic elements in his lyrics or poems, they are not a central focus or recurring motif in his writings. But he did not miss the bird on the wire. He rode a donkey, but there is no evidence that he spent much time onboard a boat, even less went fishing.
While there isn't a famous specific poem solely dedicated to "The Old Man and the Sea," Hemingway's novella has inspired numerous poets and writers to explore its themes in their works. I will finish ending my tribute to Hemingway and the human struggle for freedom and sustainability, the beginning lines at the top.
Jorgos eyes filled with wisdom, wrinkles etched deep,
A solitary figure, his secrets he keeps.
Battered by time, yet his spirit so strong,
He battles the sea, where he truly belongs.
With fishing lines cast, he waits in hope,
The billfish, his quarry, is a challenge to cope with.
The struggle begins, a dance of might,
Man against nature, a formidable fight.
Aegean sea roars and churns, a tempest's wrath,
But Jorgos endures on his solitary path.
His hands ache, muscles strain,
Yet he clings to hope, undeterred by pain.
Loneliness envelopes his days and nights,
A bond with the sea, his sole respite.
In the depths of solitude, his thoughts unfurl,
Contemplating life's mysteries, a solitary pearl.
Through the ebbs and flows of an arduous quest,
Jorgos' spirit soars, never to rest.
For victory lies not in the prize he seeks,
But in the resilience that defines the peaks.
Though the billfish fades, his heart still beats,
A testament to the triumphs he greets.
In defeat, he finds strength anew,
For the soul's conquest is what rings true.
"The Old Man and the Sea," a timeless ode,
To the human spirit, unyielding and bold.
Through Jorgos' eyes, we learn and see,
The depths of resilience, the pursuit of glee.
So let us sail with Jorgos' stride,
Embrace life's challenges with hearts open wide.
For in the ebb and flow of our own sea,
We find the strength to be truly free.
Jörgen Thornberg
The Old Man and the Sea, 2018
Digital
50 x 70 cm
I saw him near Kodylenia, the restaurant in Kamini where we were heading. He gazed at the strait, lost in deep thoughts, a scene instantly brought to mind Santiago, the fisherman from 'The Old Man and the Sea'. It wasn't just his face, the slightly grey moustache and stubbled captain's beard, And a weathered, sun-kissed countenance reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway's. His dark hair was extended at the back, bleached by the sun, except for the temples, which were grey as his beard. It was as if Santiago had stepped out of the book's pages and into our world.
Before him lay one of Hydra's marvellous sunsets, a sight that seemed to mirror the depth of his contemplation. The man, neither young nor too old, had a lifetime's history painted on his face, a canvas of experiences. Perched on his nose was a pair of reading glasses with a string around his neck, symbolising his intellectual curiosity. He was casually dressed, wearing a well-worn pair of khakis, sneakers, and a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a testament to his practicality. On his knee, he held a plastic bag from Mitsiou, the supermarket in the heart of Hydra's port, a mundane detail that hinted at a life beyond this moment. He gazed intently over the rim of his glasses towards the still waters, disturbed only by the occasional passing boat, a man lost in his thoughts, a mystery waiting to be unravelled.
Amidst the vast expanse of Hydra blue,
It is a tale of resilience, old and true.
"The Old Man and the Sea," they say,
An Aegean journey that lights the way.
In a weathered boat, Jorgos sails,
An old-time fisherman, his spirit prevails.
Beneath the sun's scorching heat,
He ventures forth with determined feat.
'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is a timeless masterpiece that delves into the universal themes of human determination, resilience, and the indomitable spirit. Through the captivating narrative of an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, Hemingway explores the struggle against external forces and the significance of personal triumph. Set against the backdrop of the sea, this novella serves as a metaphorical journey that resonates with the essence of life and the pursuit of one's dreams. Whether we name him Adonis, Theo, Jorgos or Sebastian, the Hemingway drama is timeless and universal. A swordfish is a mighty and dangerous opponent fighting for its life. When reading, put one of Hydra's fishermen in the context, at least the ones that still existed some decades ago.
In his solitary struggle, Santiago encounters the relentless forces of nature. The battle between the older man and the fish metaphorically represents the struggle between man and nature. Climate change. Do I have to say more? You find the fisherman in many places, on sea or land, everywhere the fight goes on. Women readers change any name to a female; the tale is not about gender but individuals and personalities. The type of human Hemingway describes may have any occupation when fighting for life.
Please read the full story and learn more about this epic tale.
'The Old Man and the Sea' is a Tale of Resilience and the Human Spirit. It focuses on Santiago's unwavering resilience in adversity. Despite his age and unsuccessful fishing trips, Santiago refuses to succumb to despair. He embodies the essence of human determination, demonstrating the unwavering belief that success is not measured solely by victory but by the willingness to persevere in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His relentless pursuit of the marlin becomes a metaphor for the human struggle against external forces that can either shape or break one's spirit.
The Battle with Nature
In his solitary voyage on the vast sea, Santiago encounters the relentless forces of nature. The battle between the older man and the billfish metaphorically represents the struggle between man and nature. Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, Hemingway portrays the unyielding power of the sea and the unpredictability of life. Santiago's tireless efforts to catch the fish symbolise humanity's eternal quest for control and dominance over the natural world. Yet, despite his strength and skill, Santiago acknowledges his place in the grand order of nature, displaying humility and respect for its power. I call him Jorgos, but his name could be anybody's; you find his type in a Norwegian fjord, a South American desert, an Asian tundra, an African jungle, or the flat next door. It is not a question about ethnicity or culture; this is universal. And important.
The Loneliness of Human Existence
The Hemingway epic also delves into human solitude and the inherent isolation of pursuing one's dreams. Santiago's solitude at sea accentuates the profound loneliness often accompanying personal quests. He finds solace in his thoughts and engages in introspection, contemplating his place in the universe. Hemingway masterfully portrays Santiago's internal struggles, reminding readers of the universal human experience of grappling with existential questions while persevering through isolation.
The Triumph of the Human Spirit
While the older man's physical battle with the billfish ultimately ends in defeat, Santiago's spirit remains unbroken. His ability to find meaning and purpose beyond mere success or failure underscores the theme of personal triumph. Hemingway emphasises the value of resilience and determination, highlighting that true victory lies in one's ability to maintain integrity, courage, and unwavering pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of the outcome.
"The Old Man and the Sea" is an enduring masterpiece that explores the depths of the human spirit. Hemingway's portrayal of Santiago's struggle against external forces, his solitude at sea, and his triumph of spirit leave a lasting impression on readers. This poignant tale serves as a reminder that true success is not solely measured by external achievements but by one's resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of personal goals. Through the character of Santiago, Hemingway inspires us to embrace life's challenges, to find meaning amidst adversity, and to cultivate an indomitable spirit that can weather any storm.
Don't hide behind a name
So, Jorgos, Adam, Liam, Luca, Aleksi, Aljaž, Anatoly, Ariel, Mohammed, Bandile, Benicio, Bō, Dai or whatever you are called, learn from this tale never to give up, and continue your fight for a better world, again and again. It is never too late; tomorrow is another day with new possibilities. Sitting on a bench on Hydra watching the sea is an excellent way to prepare for that day. And Mary, this is about you too.
My favourite poet, Leonard Cohen, missed the naval environment despite living in Hydra, surrounded by sea for many years. Cohen's lyrical and poetic compositions primarily explored themes of love, spirituality, human relationships, and existential reflections. While he may have occasionally referenced aquatic elements in his lyrics or poems, they are not a central focus or recurring motif in his writings. But he did not miss the bird on the wire. He rode a donkey, but there is no evidence that he spent much time onboard a boat, even less went fishing.
While there isn't a famous specific poem solely dedicated to "The Old Man and the Sea," Hemingway's novella has inspired numerous poets and writers to explore its themes in their works. I will finish ending my tribute to Hemingway and the human struggle for freedom and sustainability, the beginning lines at the top.
Jorgos eyes filled with wisdom, wrinkles etched deep,
A solitary figure, his secrets he keeps.
Battered by time, yet his spirit so strong,
He battles the sea, where he truly belongs.
With fishing lines cast, he waits in hope,
The billfish, his quarry, is a challenge to cope with.
The struggle begins, a dance of might,
Man against nature, a formidable fight.
Aegean sea roars and churns, a tempest's wrath,
But Jorgos endures on his solitary path.
His hands ache, muscles strain,
Yet he clings to hope, undeterred by pain.
Loneliness envelopes his days and nights,
A bond with the sea, his sole respite.
In the depths of solitude, his thoughts unfurl,
Contemplating life's mysteries, a solitary pearl.
Through the ebbs and flows of an arduous quest,
Jorgos' spirit soars, never to rest.
For victory lies not in the prize he seeks,
But in the resilience that defines the peaks.
Though the billfish fades, his heart still beats,
A testament to the triumphs he greets.
In defeat, he finds strength anew,
For the soul's conquest is what rings true.
"The Old Man and the Sea," a timeless ode,
To the human spirit, unyielding and bold.
Through Jorgos' eyes, we learn and see,
The depths of resilience, the pursuit of glee.
So let us sail with Jorgos' stride,
Embrace life's challenges with hearts open wide.
For in the ebb and flow of our own sea,
We find the strength to be truly free.
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