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Jörgen Thornberg
The Ballerina Odette, the Tabby Cat, 2023
Digital
50 x 70 cm
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Odette, a red-orange tabby with a personality as vibrant as her coat, pranced onto her makeshift stage near a giant bush of orange Oleander. The morning light danced on her fur, gleaming like a fiery sunrise. Her audience, some early risers, and I headed for a morning swim at the cliffs of Avlaki, and we were about to be treated to an unforgettable performance.
As you know, theatre has ancient roots in Greece. It was here that drama, comedy, song, and dance on stage came to Europe more than two thousand years ago. Odette arrived on Hydra Island in 1875 and was not that ancient. Approaching her 150th birthday, the graceful tabby was in excellent shape.
The music from Tchaikovsky's ' Swan Lake ' streamed through the cracks in the closed shutters of the house next door. It tells the story of a swan in disguise, the beautiful Odette. She and her prince embark on a journey from Crimea to the enchanting island of Hydra to break the spell cast on Odette and her swan companions, while Prince Siegfried vows to win her heart. Now and then, she and the swans return to Hydra from their star, shedding their feathered cloaks as soon as they set foot on land. You'll know who they are if you see some tabbies dancing in one of Hydra's mystical alleys or between the tables at a harbour restaurant. Don't worry about the music; they carry it within them but feel free to hum along.
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Odette, a red-orange tabby with a personality as vibrant as her coat, pranced onto her makeshift stage near a giant bush of orange Oleander. The morning light danced on her fur, gleaming like a fiery sunrise. Her audience, an invisible crowd of early risers heading for a morning swim at the cliffs of Avlaki, was about to be treated to an unforgettable performance.
Odette began with a graceful leap, her paws landing softly on the ground as she twirled and swayed. 'Good morning, my lovely humans!' she called out, her tail flicking playfully. 'Have you ever wondered what makes us ginger cats so unique? If you haven’t realised it, look at me well!' She struck a charismatic pose, one paw raised delicately, her mischievous green eyes sparkling.
She danced around, weaving in and out of the Oleander bush, her movements fluid and elegant. "We ginger cats, also known as red, orange, marmalade, tiger-cat, or cinnamon, are hard to miss," she purred, executing a perfect pirouette. "From 9Lives Morris to Garfield to Puss in Boots, we’ve made quite a mark in pop culture!"
Odette paused to lick her paw and smooth her whiskers, a twinkle in her eye. "But there’s more to us than just our stunning coats. We have personalities as strong-willed and sincere as our colours!" She did a little hop, landing with a flourish, her tail curling gracefully over her back.
Her audience could almost see her companions as she continued – an imaginary line-up of ginger cats. "Ginger cats aren’t a specific breed; we’re a colour! All ginger cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are gingers. Confused yet?" she asked with a playful wink, her paw tapping rhythmically.
"We can be found in various breeds, from Bengals and Savannahs to Maine Coons and Persians, even the good old Domestic Shorthair," Odette explained, twirling around the stage. "All ginger cats have the ‘agouti’ gene, giving us our beautiful stripes, swirls, and that unique ‘M’ on our foreheads!"
Odette paused for effect, her eyes wide with mock seriousness. "Do we have a ‘fiery’ disposition? Some might say so, but we’re just super chill and loving. We’re called ‘velcro’ cats because we love attaching ourselves to humans!" She rolled onto her back, showing off her belly in an invitation for imaginary scratches.
Odette danced in circles back on her feet, her movements light and airy. "We’re also quite the chatty bunch. Everyone knows we gingers love to talk! We chirp, meow, trill, and purr – it’s like we’re always in conversation with the world."
She pranced over to a sunny spot, her fur glowing. "And those adorable freckles on our noses and mouths? They’re caused by lentigo, a harmless condition that increases melanin in our bodies. It’s just one more thing that makes us special!"
With a flick of her tail, Odette launched into a series of leaps and spins. "We ginger cats come in five different variations of tabby markings. Classic, spotted, patched, mackerel, and ticked. Each one is as unique and beautiful as the last!" She demonstrated each pattern with a bit of dance, embodying the elegance of a ballet dancer.
Slowly, Odette moved closer to the Oleander, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Did you know nearly eighty per cent of ginger cats are male? It’s because of the ‘ginger’ gene on the X chromosome. Males only need one copy of this gene, while females need two. That’s why you see more male gingers around."
She finished with a grand jeté, landing gracefully as she took a bow. "So, my dear humans, next time you see a ginger cat, remember – we’re not just a pretty face. We’re charming, loving, and full of personality!"
Odette’s final move was a dramatic pirouette, her tail wrapping around her like a dancer’s skirt. "Now, off you go to your morning swim! And don’t forget to nod to any ginger cats you see on the way. We love the attention!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her namesake, Odette Duncan.
But Odette wasn’t done. She circled back, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "And speaking of famous ginger cats," she continued, "let’s not forget some of our most iconic characters. There’s Garfield, the lasagna-loving comic strip star created by Jim Davis. With his sarcastic humour and lazy antics, Garfield has entertained fans since 1978!"
She mimicked Garfield’s famous lazy stretch, drawing chuckles from her audience. "And who can forget Jonesy from the sci-fi classic 'Alien'? This brave ginger tomcat survived the terrifying alien encounters alongside Ripley. Quite the hero, don’t you think?"
Odette bounded to the edge of her stage, her eyes sparkling excitedly. "Then there's Puss in Boots, the swashbuckling hero from the 'Shrek' series! Puss has charmed his way into many hearts with his adorable wide eyes and fierce sword skills."
She performed a mock sword fight, dodging and weaving with exaggerated grace. "And let’s not forget Crookshanks from 'Harry Potter'. This clever cat, adopted by Hermione, could sense untrustworthy people. Half-Kneazle and highly independent, Crookshanks was a true magical companion."
Odette paused, her gaze softening. "And then there’s Bob, the real-life ginger cat who inspired 'A Street Cat Named Bob'. This incredible cat helped his owner, James Bowen, turn his life around. Their story is a heartwarming testament to the bond between humans and their feline friends."
With a final flourish, Odette concluded her performance. "We ginger cats have left our paw prints on history, literature, and pop culture. We’re more than just pets; we’re companions, heroes, and stars. So, as you head to your morning swim, remember to nod to the ginger cats you see. We love the attention, and, who knows, we might make your day a little brighter!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her namesake, Odette Duncan.
Odette’s final move was a dramatic pirouette, her tail wrapping around her like a dancer’s skirt. "Now, off you go to your morning swim! And don’t forget to nod to any ginger cats you see on the way. We love the attention!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her favourite ballerina, the legendary Isadora Duncan.
Jörgen Thornberg
The Ballerina Odette, the Tabby Cat, 2023
Digital
50 x 70 cm
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Odette, a red-orange tabby with a personality as vibrant as her coat, pranced onto her makeshift stage near a giant bush of orange Oleander. The morning light danced on her fur, gleaming like a fiery sunrise. Her audience, some early risers, and I headed for a morning swim at the cliffs of Avlaki, and we were about to be treated to an unforgettable performance.
As you know, theatre has ancient roots in Greece. It was here that drama, comedy, song, and dance on stage came to Europe more than two thousand years ago. Odette arrived on Hydra Island in 1875 and was not that ancient. Approaching her 150th birthday, the graceful tabby was in excellent shape.
The music from Tchaikovsky's ' Swan Lake ' streamed through the cracks in the closed shutters of the house next door. It tells the story of a swan in disguise, the beautiful Odette. She and her prince embark on a journey from Crimea to the enchanting island of Hydra to break the spell cast on Odette and her swan companions, while Prince Siegfried vows to win her heart. Now and then, she and the swans return to Hydra from their star, shedding their feathered cloaks as soon as they set foot on land. You'll know who they are if you see some tabbies dancing in one of Hydra's mystical alleys or between the tables at a harbour restaurant. Don't worry about the music; they carry it within them but feel free to hum along.
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Odette, a red-orange tabby with a personality as vibrant as her coat, pranced onto her makeshift stage near a giant bush of orange Oleander. The morning light danced on her fur, gleaming like a fiery sunrise. Her audience, an invisible crowd of early risers heading for a morning swim at the cliffs of Avlaki, was about to be treated to an unforgettable performance.
Odette began with a graceful leap, her paws landing softly on the ground as she twirled and swayed. 'Good morning, my lovely humans!' she called out, her tail flicking playfully. 'Have you ever wondered what makes us ginger cats so unique? If you haven’t realised it, look at me well!' She struck a charismatic pose, one paw raised delicately, her mischievous green eyes sparkling.
She danced around, weaving in and out of the Oleander bush, her movements fluid and elegant. "We ginger cats, also known as red, orange, marmalade, tiger-cat, or cinnamon, are hard to miss," she purred, executing a perfect pirouette. "From 9Lives Morris to Garfield to Puss in Boots, we’ve made quite a mark in pop culture!"
Odette paused to lick her paw and smooth her whiskers, a twinkle in her eye. "But there’s more to us than just our stunning coats. We have personalities as strong-willed and sincere as our colours!" She did a little hop, landing with a flourish, her tail curling gracefully over her back.
Her audience could almost see her companions as she continued – an imaginary line-up of ginger cats. "Ginger cats aren’t a specific breed; we’re a colour! All ginger cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are gingers. Confused yet?" she asked with a playful wink, her paw tapping rhythmically.
"We can be found in various breeds, from Bengals and Savannahs to Maine Coons and Persians, even the good old Domestic Shorthair," Odette explained, twirling around the stage. "All ginger cats have the ‘agouti’ gene, giving us our beautiful stripes, swirls, and that unique ‘M’ on our foreheads!"
Odette paused for effect, her eyes wide with mock seriousness. "Do we have a ‘fiery’ disposition? Some might say so, but we’re just super chill and loving. We’re called ‘velcro’ cats because we love attaching ourselves to humans!" She rolled onto her back, showing off her belly in an invitation for imaginary scratches.
Odette danced in circles back on her feet, her movements light and airy. "We’re also quite the chatty bunch. Everyone knows we gingers love to talk! We chirp, meow, trill, and purr – it’s like we’re always in conversation with the world."
She pranced over to a sunny spot, her fur glowing. "And those adorable freckles on our noses and mouths? They’re caused by lentigo, a harmless condition that increases melanin in our bodies. It’s just one more thing that makes us special!"
With a flick of her tail, Odette launched into a series of leaps and spins. "We ginger cats come in five different variations of tabby markings. Classic, spotted, patched, mackerel, and ticked. Each one is as unique and beautiful as the last!" She demonstrated each pattern with a bit of dance, embodying the elegance of a ballet dancer.
Slowly, Odette moved closer to the Oleander, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Did you know nearly eighty per cent of ginger cats are male? It’s because of the ‘ginger’ gene on the X chromosome. Males only need one copy of this gene, while females need two. That’s why you see more male gingers around."
She finished with a grand jeté, landing gracefully as she took a bow. "So, my dear humans, next time you see a ginger cat, remember – we’re not just a pretty face. We’re charming, loving, and full of personality!"
Odette’s final move was a dramatic pirouette, her tail wrapping around her like a dancer’s skirt. "Now, off you go to your morning swim! And don’t forget to nod to any ginger cats you see on the way. We love the attention!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her namesake, Odette Duncan.
But Odette wasn’t done. She circled back, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "And speaking of famous ginger cats," she continued, "let’s not forget some of our most iconic characters. There’s Garfield, the lasagna-loving comic strip star created by Jim Davis. With his sarcastic humour and lazy antics, Garfield has entertained fans since 1978!"
She mimicked Garfield’s famous lazy stretch, drawing chuckles from her audience. "And who can forget Jonesy from the sci-fi classic 'Alien'? This brave ginger tomcat survived the terrifying alien encounters alongside Ripley. Quite the hero, don’t you think?"
Odette bounded to the edge of her stage, her eyes sparkling excitedly. "Then there's Puss in Boots, the swashbuckling hero from the 'Shrek' series! Puss has charmed his way into many hearts with his adorable wide eyes and fierce sword skills."
She performed a mock sword fight, dodging and weaving with exaggerated grace. "And let’s not forget Crookshanks from 'Harry Potter'. This clever cat, adopted by Hermione, could sense untrustworthy people. Half-Kneazle and highly independent, Crookshanks was a true magical companion."
Odette paused, her gaze softening. "And then there’s Bob, the real-life ginger cat who inspired 'A Street Cat Named Bob'. This incredible cat helped his owner, James Bowen, turn his life around. Their story is a heartwarming testament to the bond between humans and their feline friends."
With a final flourish, Odette concluded her performance. "We ginger cats have left our paw prints on history, literature, and pop culture. We’re more than just pets; we’re companions, heroes, and stars. So, as you head to your morning swim, remember to nod to the ginger cats you see. We love the attention, and, who knows, we might make your day a little brighter!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her namesake, Odette Duncan.
Odette’s final move was a dramatic pirouette, her tail wrapping around her like a dancer’s skirt. "Now, off you go to your morning swim! And don’t forget to nod to any ginger cats you see on the way. We love the attention!"
As the morning sun rose higher, casting a golden glow over the scene, Odette strutted off her stage, leaving her invisible audience with smiles and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent ginger tabby cat. If Odette had been a human girl, she would have undoubtedly attended ballet school and become a dancer like her favourite ballerina, the legendary Isadora Duncan.
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