Now Christmas is here in our house... av Jörgen Thornberg

Jörgen Thornberg

Now Christmas is here in our house..., 2024

Digital
70 x 50 cm

3 200 kr

All at Sea
"Now we have light, here tonight,
Dad's hit the bottle, feeling all right.
Mom's on the floor, can't take much more,
tipped over a light.
The candle tipped, and the flames were quick,
The whole house caught fire, burnt to a crisp!
See how all the children catch alight.
Fourteen little ones, for all, a real plight.
Grandpa’s cheerin’, his plow disappearin’,
heads off for a drink, disappears in the blink.

Now Grandpa's loose, headed for booze,
Left the old plough, there's nothing to lose.
Singing for granny a cheeky tune,
drunk as a skunk under the moon.
With an empty bottle clinking his glass,
Cheers to all the family braving winter's blast!
Sisters and brothers, oh, what a sight,
Dancing and singing through the night.
Swedes around with jokes that resound,
Lifting their spirits in rounds!”
Malmö, October 2024

What a cheeky song! I never would have thought Anita had such skills. With her vibrant personality and humour, Anita's connection to the lively spirit of Swedish snapsvisor, or schnapps songs, was undeniable. These humorous, sometimes cheeky songs, a part of her cultural heritage, must have added to her private gatherings' warm and mischievous atmosphere. She once told me she'd written the song herself, this woman who barely spoke English when she moved to Hollywood. But sing, she certainly could. I had to hush her as we sat on the Davidshall Bridge in Malmö, where she recounted memories from her teenage years and her days in the film industry. She told me she had drunk champagne many times from the shoes that served as models for the cast on the bridge. "I think the taste has lingered," Anita laughed.

The Swedish Icon of La Dolce Vita
Anita Ekberg is one of the most unforgettable figures in cinema. Known for her striking beauty, curvy figure, and undeniable charisma, she brought an intriguing allure to every role she undertook. Ekberg's most iconic portrayal was as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's 1960 film *La Dolce Vita*, a role that immortalized her in cinematic history. Her image—draped in a flowing black dress, wading through the Trevi Fountain in Rome—is one of the most iconic scenes in the film, perfectly capturing the dream-like, glamorous, yet melancholic essence of Fellini's work. However, like her career, Ekberg's life was filled with charm and mystery.

Born in Malmö, Sweden, in 1931, Ekberg was the sixth of eight children in a comfortable middle-class family. Her father worked as a white-collar employee at Kockums, a prominent shipbuilding company; her family even owned a house, a rare symbol of stability and success. From an early age, Ekberg exhibited an undeniable beauty and presence that set her apart, prompting her to enter the Miss Malmö competition in 1950 at her mother's encouragement. This led to her winning the Miss Sweden title, which brought her to the United States to compete in the 1951 Miss Universe competition. Despite her limited English, she stood out among her competitors, and Hollywood soon took notice.

Upon arriving in Hollywood, Ekberg was quickly swept into the glamour of show business. She worked as a model and eventually landed minor roles in films, yet she stood out more for her beauty than her acting skills. This did not discourage her, however, and she soon carved out a niche for herself, taking roles that showcased her physicality and screen presence. In Hollywood, Ekberg was often cast in 'bombshell' roles, reflecting the industry's limited vision for women of her beauty and physique. However, she brought depth and complexity to these roles, challenging the stereotype of the 'dumb blonde' and charming audiences with her alluring yet complex portrayals.

Ekberg's life took a defining turn when she travelled to Italy, where she would become one of the prominent stars of Italian cinema. Unlike Hollywood, Italy embraced her charisma and European origins, allowing her to explore more nuanced roles. She starred in numerous Italian films, including La Dolce Vita, which showcased her beauty and allowed her to embody a sense of otherworldly sophistication. Her portrayal of Sylvia, the untouchable beauty, captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, cementing her place in film history.

Ekberg's life was not without its challenges. Despite her fame and success, her personal life was often tumultuous. She was married twice, but neither marriage lasted. However, Ekberg remained fiercely independent despite her struggles with relationships and the industry's sometimes superficial expectations. Her life in Italy gave her a sense of freedom, and she often spoke openly about her decision to step back from Hollywood. She found solace in Italy's simpler life, even as her image continued to symbolize glamour and beauty.

Ekberg remained connected to her Swedish roots, periodically returning to her hometown of Malmö. There, she was honoured with a cast of her shoes on Davidshallsbron Bridge—a tribute given only to the city's most beloved personalities. With her wry humour, Ekberg moved the cast next to Edvard Persson's wooden clogs, her childhood favourite Swedish actor. It's a whimsical detail that speaks to her personality and the balance she maintained between her roots and her life as an international star.

Despite her fame, Ekberg was never entirely at ease with her status as an icon. She often said that she felt people were more interested in the image she portrayed on-screen than in her true self. She lived a quiet life in her later years, contrasting her on-screen persona and the glittering roles she portrayed. Still, she never lost her elegance or sense of humour, embracing her past with charm and nostalgia.

Anita Ekberg's legacy lives on for her role in La Dolce Vita and how she encapsulated an era of cinematic beauty, independence, and sophistication. Her life and work serve as a reminder of the profound influence of cinema in creating enduring icons and the complexities that often lie beneath the surface. As a woman who was adored and frequently misunderstood, Ekberg remains a captivating figure whose story continues to enthral those who delve beyond the silver screen.

Jörgen Thornberg

Now Christmas is here in our house... av Jörgen Thornberg

Jörgen Thornberg

Now Christmas is here in our house..., 2024

Digital
70 x 50 cm

3 200 kr

All at Sea
"Now we have light, here tonight,
Dad's hit the bottle, feeling all right.
Mom's on the floor, can't take much more,
tipped over a light.
The candle tipped, and the flames were quick,
The whole house caught fire, burnt to a crisp!
See how all the children catch alight.
Fourteen little ones, for all, a real plight.
Grandpa’s cheerin’, his plow disappearin’,
heads off for a drink, disappears in the blink.

Now Grandpa's loose, headed for booze,
Left the old plough, there's nothing to lose.
Singing for granny a cheeky tune,
drunk as a skunk under the moon.
With an empty bottle clinking his glass,
Cheers to all the family braving winter's blast!
Sisters and brothers, oh, what a sight,
Dancing and singing through the night.
Swedes around with jokes that resound,
Lifting their spirits in rounds!”
Malmö, October 2024

What a cheeky song! I never would have thought Anita had such skills. With her vibrant personality and humour, Anita's connection to the lively spirit of Swedish snapsvisor, or schnapps songs, was undeniable. These humorous, sometimes cheeky songs, a part of her cultural heritage, must have added to her private gatherings' warm and mischievous atmosphere. She once told me she'd written the song herself, this woman who barely spoke English when she moved to Hollywood. But sing, she certainly could. I had to hush her as we sat on the Davidshall Bridge in Malmö, where she recounted memories from her teenage years and her days in the film industry. She told me she had drunk champagne many times from the shoes that served as models for the cast on the bridge. "I think the taste has lingered," Anita laughed.

The Swedish Icon of La Dolce Vita
Anita Ekberg is one of the most unforgettable figures in cinema. Known for her striking beauty, curvy figure, and undeniable charisma, she brought an intriguing allure to every role she undertook. Ekberg's most iconic portrayal was as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's 1960 film *La Dolce Vita*, a role that immortalized her in cinematic history. Her image—draped in a flowing black dress, wading through the Trevi Fountain in Rome—is one of the most iconic scenes in the film, perfectly capturing the dream-like, glamorous, yet melancholic essence of Fellini's work. However, like her career, Ekberg's life was filled with charm and mystery.

Born in Malmö, Sweden, in 1931, Ekberg was the sixth of eight children in a comfortable middle-class family. Her father worked as a white-collar employee at Kockums, a prominent shipbuilding company; her family even owned a house, a rare symbol of stability and success. From an early age, Ekberg exhibited an undeniable beauty and presence that set her apart, prompting her to enter the Miss Malmö competition in 1950 at her mother's encouragement. This led to her winning the Miss Sweden title, which brought her to the United States to compete in the 1951 Miss Universe competition. Despite her limited English, she stood out among her competitors, and Hollywood soon took notice.

Upon arriving in Hollywood, Ekberg was quickly swept into the glamour of show business. She worked as a model and eventually landed minor roles in films, yet she stood out more for her beauty than her acting skills. This did not discourage her, however, and she soon carved out a niche for herself, taking roles that showcased her physicality and screen presence. In Hollywood, Ekberg was often cast in 'bombshell' roles, reflecting the industry's limited vision for women of her beauty and physique. However, she brought depth and complexity to these roles, challenging the stereotype of the 'dumb blonde' and charming audiences with her alluring yet complex portrayals.

Ekberg's life took a defining turn when she travelled to Italy, where she would become one of the prominent stars of Italian cinema. Unlike Hollywood, Italy embraced her charisma and European origins, allowing her to explore more nuanced roles. She starred in numerous Italian films, including La Dolce Vita, which showcased her beauty and allowed her to embody a sense of otherworldly sophistication. Her portrayal of Sylvia, the untouchable beauty, captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, cementing her place in film history.

Ekberg's life was not without its challenges. Despite her fame and success, her personal life was often tumultuous. She was married twice, but neither marriage lasted. However, Ekberg remained fiercely independent despite her struggles with relationships and the industry's sometimes superficial expectations. Her life in Italy gave her a sense of freedom, and she often spoke openly about her decision to step back from Hollywood. She found solace in Italy's simpler life, even as her image continued to symbolize glamour and beauty.

Ekberg remained connected to her Swedish roots, periodically returning to her hometown of Malmö. There, she was honoured with a cast of her shoes on Davidshallsbron Bridge—a tribute given only to the city's most beloved personalities. With her wry humour, Ekberg moved the cast next to Edvard Persson's wooden clogs, her childhood favourite Swedish actor. It's a whimsical detail that speaks to her personality and the balance she maintained between her roots and her life as an international star.

Despite her fame, Ekberg was never entirely at ease with her status as an icon. She often said that she felt people were more interested in the image she portrayed on-screen than in her true self. She lived a quiet life in her later years, contrasting her on-screen persona and the glittering roles she portrayed. Still, she never lost her elegance or sense of humour, embracing her past with charm and nostalgia.

Anita Ekberg's legacy lives on for her role in La Dolce Vita and how she encapsulated an era of cinematic beauty, independence, and sophistication. Her life and work serve as a reminder of the profound influence of cinema in creating enduring icons and the complexities that often lie beneath the surface. As a woman who was adored and frequently misunderstood, Ekberg remains a captivating figure whose story continues to enthral those who delve beyond the silver screen.

3 200 kr

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

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