Hans (left) and Anders were part of the exhibition at National Portrait Gallery, London, Tylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2020.
The Divine
The Divine is a project about my neighbors. Next door to my studio is the Nordre Aasen institution for kids and young people with complicated, severe physical and mental disorders. I have seen these kids and youngsters through the windows of my studio, and it has evoked a myriad of thoughts and feelings within me. I really appreciate having these amazing kids as my neighbors. However, I can’t help but question the quality of their lives. It also makes it clear to me how random the outcome of life is.
We have these individuals among us on borrowed time, their life expectancy is significantly shorter than average. Medical technology also makes their presence in the world less and less.
This is my tribute to these heavenly hosts that reminds me of that we are all humans and with an inviolable human dignity. Having them around me and having the privilege to photograph these people, makes me more human and should remind us all of our own humanity.
The project is work in progress.