JUNE 14th - AUGUST 3RD 2008
The constructed reality is the central theme in this years “Young Danish Photography”. Whether it is constructed models, the clashing of images or digitally manipulated subject matter.
Lotte Fløe Christensen has a series of mini models made of natural materials photographed on a neutral white background. The images are supposedly taken on location in a direct continuance of the ‘construction in the making’ – the plants look freshly plucked. In another series Lotte Fløe Christensen cut slits in the white paper background and covering the flowers and plants so as to isolate them though making them appear untouched. Parallel with the exhibition at the Fotografisk Center, Lotte Fløe Christensen is part of “Nordic Moods – landscape photography of our time” at Arken, Museum of Modern Art. Here she plays physically and mentally with the concept of man in stark contrast to the landscape. Lotte Fløe Christensen stands in one of the images with a large white cardboard that covers her entire body and another where she uses branches to cover her body. In “Young Danish Photography”, Lotte Fløe Christensen focus is on the small details while with “Nordic Moods” she is working with a broader canvas.
Christina Glob seeks out scenes that contain drama and life. Her images and subject matter are paradoxical in their diametrically opposed composition. Her images come from contextually eclectic sources, from strange wall decorations through Asian traffic seen from above to interior and exterior scenes. The assemblage of two sofas opposite one another in an eerie light is in stark contrast to a building façade that houses a beauty salon. Christina Glob works, as is it often the case for her, with stereotypes, about the preconceptions we have with interior design, architecture and organising in general. At the same time she possesses a sense of humour that liberates the serious element, and this is clearly evident and present in the pictures.
In Johan Rosenmunthes’ series “The Isle of Human” we find animals in unexpected places. The animals occupy the spaces as if it was their natural habitat. The images are, of course, manipulated and constructed from at least two separate images. This creates, firstly, a sense of wonder and then immediately after, joy. Giraffes wander among containers, a wolf sits atop a roof, and deer are standing in a driveway. This series is a continuation of “Imagine Remembering” which is a fable based on Johan Rosenmunthes relationship with his grandfather. The photographic layers, the historic and contemporary, black and white and colour merge together to form a long dreamlike sequence. While his earlier series was relatively closed and personal, this in contrast is more open and imaginative. The images are supple and less disturbing than previously. Already with “Imagine Remembering” Johan Rosenmunthe was able to express it thus ”…attempting to find a balance between content and the aesthetic, between the serious and humour, the viewer can draw on the immediate visual expression and still be captivated into wanting to delve deeper into the thoughts and ideas behind the image.” This succinctly explains to the fullest his latest series “The Isle of Human”.
Gina Zacharias’ eclectic images create a surreal narrative realised through a sublime poetic confrontation. She commands a considerable sensitivity and understanding of her subject matter. It is at first glance difficult to discern common visual features - nonetheless a strong visual and tactile sensibility gradually emerges through her bold use of form and colour. This is clearly evident in “Christ Died for Our Sins” where a neon sign illuminating the night sky emphasizes a dreamlike and surreal state
Young Danish Photography ’08 is the ninth in a series of exhibitions and books that Fotografisk Center has presented and produced since 1998. Its primary aim is to present, produce and promote photography among a younger generation of artists in Denmark. Not only to focus on the newer tendencies in photography, but rather to create a qualitative forum for young photographers and artists. Young Danish Photography received financial support from The Danish Ministry of Culture for the first three years. The catalogues, an otherwise important documentation of the series, were not produced in 2002 and 2003 due to lack of funds. Today, thanks to the efforts of the Danish Arts Council, we are able to continue publishing the catalogue in conjunction with the exhibition.
I would like, on behalf of Fotografisk Center, to personally thank the Arts Council and Copenhagen Commune for their ongoing support that enables us to continue with this important exhibition series.
Lars Schwander, May 2008
Ung dansk Fotografi ‘08 48 pages, illustrated, Published by Fotografisk Center, price kr. 100
Å b n i n g s t i d e r: Tirsdag til søndag kl. 11-17
 ©Christina Glob |
 ©Lotte Fløe Christensen |
 ©Gina Zacharias |
 ©Johan Rosenmunthe |