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Jörgen Thornberg
Metal Love, 2024
Digital
80 x 80 cm
4 500 kr
Metal Love
‘‘The Bronze and the Flesh
By the water’s edge, she stands alone,
A maiden of metal, carved from stone.
Her gaze fixed high, her longing deep,
A silent vigil, no tears to weep.
But one soft night, across the tide,
A woman approached with arms open wide.
Flesh met bronze, warm met cold,
It’s a story of love, timeless and bold.
The bronze, unmoving, yet seemed alive,
Her heart of metal began to thrive.
For in that touch, a spark was found,
A love that danced without a sound.
The woman of flesh, so tender, so true,
Whispered words only stars could view.
“I see your pain, your longing, your ache,
A soul in bronze no tide can break.”
The mermaid stayed still, as statues do,
Yet her metal heart somehow knew:
This fleeting kiss, this human’s touch,
Had filled her world with love’s first blush.
Though one was bound to sea and stone,
The other to life, where hearts are grown,
At that moment, their worlds had blurred,
And love spoke loud without a word.
For love, they knew, could break all binds,
It lives in hearts, in souls, in minds.
And even bronze can dream and yearn,
When touched by flesh, and love’s bright burn.
Malmö, October 2024
A Statue’s Tumultuous Tale
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) is not just another statue, but one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a rock a few meters out in the water at Langelinie, this bronze beauty, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, has been a symbol of Denmark since its unveiling in 1913. However, unlike Andersen’s mermaid who longed for life on land, her statue has had a rather turbulent existence in the water.
Origins and Creation
Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries, commissioned the Little Mermaid. Deeply moved by a ballet adaptation of Andersen’s tale, Jacobsen asked sculptor Edvard Eriksen to bring the mermaid to life in bronze. Eriksen’s wife, Eline, was the model for the statue’s body, while ballerina Ellen Price inspired the face.
From the beginning, the statue was designed to embody Andersen's story's melancholic beauty and longing. Like her literary counterpart, she gazes wistfully toward the shore, caught between two worlds.
Acts of Vandalism
Despite her serene appearance, the Little Mermaid has endured a rough and occasionally bizarre history. Over the decades, she has been the target of numerous acts of vandalism, some politically motivated, others simply acts of mischief:
Decapitations:
The statue has lost its head multiple times. In 1964, it was sawn off and stolen, never to be recovered. A new one had to be cast. In 1998, it happened again, but this time, the head was returned and reattached.
Limb Loss:
In 1984, vandals sawed off her right arm, though it was later returned anonymously.
Explosives:
In 2003, explosives were used to blow the statue off her rock, leaving her submerged in the harbour. She was later rescued and restored to her rightful place.
Graffiti and Costumes:
The mermaid has been splashed with paint, dressed in costumes, and even had slogans graffitied onto her and the surrounding area. These acts often carry political messages, protesting anything from whaling to globalisation.
A Symbol of Endurance
Despite these attacks, the Little Mermaid remains a steadfast symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark. The city diligently restores her after each incident, a testament to her cultural importance and the affection she inspires among locals and visitors alike. Her enduring presence is a reminder of the delicate balance between fragility and strength, a fitting tribute to Andersen's tale and the enduring spirit of Copenhagen itself.
Life in the Water
Positioned just offshore, the statue’s placement has often been criticised for leaving her vulnerable to tides, weather, and vandals. Tourists hoping for a close-up photo must navigate slippery rocks or stretch precariously over the water. Her watery home is her charm and challenge, mirroring the struggles of the fictional mermaid she represents.
Modern Relocation
In 2010, the Little Mermaid temporarily left her post for the first time, travelling to the Shanghai World Expo to represent Danish culture. During her absence, a video installation of her Copenhagen location allowed visitors back home to "check in" on her usual spot.
Anecdotes and Popular Myths
“Too Small”: Some visitors are surprised by her modest size, standing just 1.25 meters tall. Disappointed tourists have even dubbed her "The Little Statue."
Romantic Rumors: Over the years, stories have circulated about sailors and swimmers leaving flowers or kisses on the rock as tokens of admiration.
Local Lore: Some Copenhageners affectionately joke that the mermaid secretly dreams of joining the Tivoli Gardens amusement park instead of sitting forlornly by the harbour.
A Global Symbol
Despite her trials, the Little Mermaid is a beacon of resilience and timeless beauty. Her story, a delicate balance between fragility and strength, is a fitting tribute to Andersen’s tale and the enduring spirit of Copenhagen itself. Her resilience in the face of repeated acts of vandalism is a testament to her enduring cultural significance and the affection she inspires among locals and visitors alike.
Du sade:
Äkta kärlek eller bronsfetisch. Frågan är berättigad. Till glädje för HBTQ-rörelsen. En flicka som tog sig över till statyn och ömt kramade och kysste henne. Till engelska med lite utveckling
ChatGPT sade:
ChatGPT
True Love or Bronze Fetish? A Question Worth Asking
The Little Mermaid has always been a figure of longing and unfulfilled love, gazing wistfully toward the shore as though yearning for a connection just out of reach. But one evening, this narrative took a surprising turn that delighted the LGBTQ+ community.
A young woman made her way across the slippery rocks to the statue, an impressive feat. She embraced the bronze mermaid with tenderness, leaning in to plant a heartfelt kiss on her cold metal lips. The gesture was tender and bold—a public declaration of affection for the timeless figure of beauty and melancholy.
Was it true love or simply a fascination with the statue's symbolism? Perhaps it was both. To some, the moment represented a universal longing for connection. To others, it was an artistic expression of devotion to the mermaid as a symbol of defiance and identity, transcending norms and expectations.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the scene resonated deeply. The mermaid, perpetually caught between two worlds—sea and land, human and other—embodies a metaphor for those who feel they do not fit neatly into society’s categories. The young woman's public display of affection felt like a reclaiming of the statue, turning her into a queer icon of sorts. It was a powerful statement of defiance and identity, transcending norms and expectations.
In a world that often demands conformity, the kiss was a moment of quiet rebellion—a celebration of love in all its forms, whether directed at a person, a symbol, or an ideal. True love or bronze fetish? Maybe it doesn’t matter. The courage to love matters, even when the world is watching.
Jörgen Thornberg
Metal Love, 2024
Digital
80 x 80 cm
4 500 kr
Metal Love
‘‘The Bronze and the Flesh
By the water’s edge, she stands alone,
A maiden of metal, carved from stone.
Her gaze fixed high, her longing deep,
A silent vigil, no tears to weep.
But one soft night, across the tide,
A woman approached with arms open wide.
Flesh met bronze, warm met cold,
It’s a story of love, timeless and bold.
The bronze, unmoving, yet seemed alive,
Her heart of metal began to thrive.
For in that touch, a spark was found,
A love that danced without a sound.
The woman of flesh, so tender, so true,
Whispered words only stars could view.
“I see your pain, your longing, your ache,
A soul in bronze no tide can break.”
The mermaid stayed still, as statues do,
Yet her metal heart somehow knew:
This fleeting kiss, this human’s touch,
Had filled her world with love’s first blush.
Though one was bound to sea and stone,
The other to life, where hearts are grown,
At that moment, their worlds had blurred,
And love spoke loud without a word.
For love, they knew, could break all binds,
It lives in hearts, in souls, in minds.
And even bronze can dream and yearn,
When touched by flesh, and love’s bright burn.
Malmö, October 2024
A Statue’s Tumultuous Tale
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) is not just another statue, but one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a rock a few meters out in the water at Langelinie, this bronze beauty, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, has been a symbol of Denmark since its unveiling in 1913. However, unlike Andersen’s mermaid who longed for life on land, her statue has had a rather turbulent existence in the water.
Origins and Creation
Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries, commissioned the Little Mermaid. Deeply moved by a ballet adaptation of Andersen’s tale, Jacobsen asked sculptor Edvard Eriksen to bring the mermaid to life in bronze. Eriksen’s wife, Eline, was the model for the statue’s body, while ballerina Ellen Price inspired the face.
From the beginning, the statue was designed to embody Andersen's story's melancholic beauty and longing. Like her literary counterpart, she gazes wistfully toward the shore, caught between two worlds.
Acts of Vandalism
Despite her serene appearance, the Little Mermaid has endured a rough and occasionally bizarre history. Over the decades, she has been the target of numerous acts of vandalism, some politically motivated, others simply acts of mischief:
Decapitations:
The statue has lost its head multiple times. In 1964, it was sawn off and stolen, never to be recovered. A new one had to be cast. In 1998, it happened again, but this time, the head was returned and reattached.
Limb Loss:
In 1984, vandals sawed off her right arm, though it was later returned anonymously.
Explosives:
In 2003, explosives were used to blow the statue off her rock, leaving her submerged in the harbour. She was later rescued and restored to her rightful place.
Graffiti and Costumes:
The mermaid has been splashed with paint, dressed in costumes, and even had slogans graffitied onto her and the surrounding area. These acts often carry political messages, protesting anything from whaling to globalisation.
A Symbol of Endurance
Despite these attacks, the Little Mermaid remains a steadfast symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark. The city diligently restores her after each incident, a testament to her cultural importance and the affection she inspires among locals and visitors alike. Her enduring presence is a reminder of the delicate balance between fragility and strength, a fitting tribute to Andersen's tale and the enduring spirit of Copenhagen itself.
Life in the Water
Positioned just offshore, the statue’s placement has often been criticised for leaving her vulnerable to tides, weather, and vandals. Tourists hoping for a close-up photo must navigate slippery rocks or stretch precariously over the water. Her watery home is her charm and challenge, mirroring the struggles of the fictional mermaid she represents.
Modern Relocation
In 2010, the Little Mermaid temporarily left her post for the first time, travelling to the Shanghai World Expo to represent Danish culture. During her absence, a video installation of her Copenhagen location allowed visitors back home to "check in" on her usual spot.
Anecdotes and Popular Myths
“Too Small”: Some visitors are surprised by her modest size, standing just 1.25 meters tall. Disappointed tourists have even dubbed her "The Little Statue."
Romantic Rumors: Over the years, stories have circulated about sailors and swimmers leaving flowers or kisses on the rock as tokens of admiration.
Local Lore: Some Copenhageners affectionately joke that the mermaid secretly dreams of joining the Tivoli Gardens amusement park instead of sitting forlornly by the harbour.
A Global Symbol
Despite her trials, the Little Mermaid is a beacon of resilience and timeless beauty. Her story, a delicate balance between fragility and strength, is a fitting tribute to Andersen’s tale and the enduring spirit of Copenhagen itself. Her resilience in the face of repeated acts of vandalism is a testament to her enduring cultural significance and the affection she inspires among locals and visitors alike.
Du sade:
Äkta kärlek eller bronsfetisch. Frågan är berättigad. Till glädje för HBTQ-rörelsen. En flicka som tog sig över till statyn och ömt kramade och kysste henne. Till engelska med lite utveckling
ChatGPT sade:
ChatGPT
True Love or Bronze Fetish? A Question Worth Asking
The Little Mermaid has always been a figure of longing and unfulfilled love, gazing wistfully toward the shore as though yearning for a connection just out of reach. But one evening, this narrative took a surprising turn that delighted the LGBTQ+ community.
A young woman made her way across the slippery rocks to the statue, an impressive feat. She embraced the bronze mermaid with tenderness, leaning in to plant a heartfelt kiss on her cold metal lips. The gesture was tender and bold—a public declaration of affection for the timeless figure of beauty and melancholy.
Was it true love or simply a fascination with the statue's symbolism? Perhaps it was both. To some, the moment represented a universal longing for connection. To others, it was an artistic expression of devotion to the mermaid as a symbol of defiance and identity, transcending norms and expectations.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the scene resonated deeply. The mermaid, perpetually caught between two worlds—sea and land, human and other—embodies a metaphor for those who feel they do not fit neatly into society’s categories. The young woman's public display of affection felt like a reclaiming of the statue, turning her into a queer icon of sorts. It was a powerful statement of defiance and identity, transcending norms and expectations.
In a world that often demands conformity, the kiss was a moment of quiet rebellion—a celebration of love in all its forms, whether directed at a person, a symbol, or an ideal. True love or bronze fetish? Maybe it doesn’t matter. The courage to love matters, even when the world is watching.
4 500 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