THE ISLAND IN THE SEA

Throughout two winters Helga C. Theilgaard has lived at Christiansø where she has followed life and portrayed most of the islanders. The result is an extensive exhibition where a large number of islanders have been portrayed in a way that makes us feel as if we know them. We are almost let under the skin of the individual while picturing what it is like being part of a very small community.

At the beginning of the 20th century Christiansø became an artistic center as several of Denmark’s most important artists moved to the islands and utilized the extraordinary light and the topography of the island as an impetus for a transformation of new artistic currents from France, but even though the location and its magic was the excuse, the paintings became general statements about the time and the circumstances under which they were created.
In the same manner Helga C. Theilgaard’s photographs are endearing portraits of a number of individuals as well as a portrait of the small community reflecting the outside world for better or for worse.