Halfdan's brief sanctuary
“During corona I began going on daily walks around the cemetery and I noticed how being away for an extended period of time allowed me to observe the garden in a different light. I was immediately drawn to the young people hanging out there and the connotations of mortality tied to the cemetery”
Meet photographer Halfdan Venlov. The artist behind A brief sanctuary, which opens at Arden Asbæk Gallery 26 May, is seeking optimism in the everyday in his poetic and personal photographs.
His photographs document and ponder over the life and still life at Assistens Kirkegården – Copenhagen’s celebrated churchyard-turned-city park – with portraits of the young people inhabiting the beautiful, atmospheric and historical space, the flowers and the gravestones of the many notable and less notable Copenhageners resting there.
Hear him talk more about his practice and photographs in the video below and check out his exhibition and artist talks at Arden Asbæk Gallery here
Artist talk // Halfdan Venlov
Artist talk // 14:30-15.30
Under Heaven is an on-going photographic project by Halfdan Venlov, photographed at Assistens Cemetery, Copenhagen’s celebrated churchyard-turned-city park.
The exhibition features a series of C-type and Silver Gelatin prints, featuring people, shared moments and details from this green oasis in the middle of the city - in a timeless and romantic rendering of the carefree days of adolescence.
Venlov was drawn to the dualism between the youthful characters and the cemetery at which they met. Going on daily walks around the garden, the artist began engaging with his subjects, taking note of any revealing expressions or intimate gestures when faced with the camera.
Dedicated to the medium of portraiture, Venlov’s artistic practice is based on traditional photographic techniques. ‘Under Heaven’ is photographed over several summers, and the exhibition at Arden Asbæk Gallery will feature never before seen works from the series.
Artist talk // Halfdan Venlov
Artist talk // 14:30-15.30
Under Heaven is an on-going photographic project by Halfdan Venlov, photographed at Assistens Cemetery, Copenhagen’s celebrated churchyard-turned-city park.
The exhibition features a series of C-type and Silver Gelatin prints, featuring people, shared moments and details from this green oasis in the middle of the city - in a timeless and romantic rendering of the carefree days of adolescence.
Venlov was drawn to the dualism between the youthful characters and the cemetery at which they met. Going on daily walks around the garden, the artist began engaging with his subjects, taking note of any revealing expressions or intimate gestures when faced with the camera.
Dedicated to the medium of portraiture, Venlov’s artistic practice is based on traditional photographic techniques. ‘Under Heaven’ is photographed over several summers, and the exhibition at Arden Asbæk Gallery will feature never before seen works from the series.
Exhibition // Halfdan Venlov - A Brief Sanctuary
The series Under Heaven is an on-going photographic project by Halfdan Venlov, photographed at Assistens Cemetery, Copenhagen’s celebrated churchyard-turned-
The exhibition features a series of C-type and Silver Gelatin prints, featuring people, shared moments and details from this green oasis in the middle of the city - in a timeless and romantic rendering of the carefree days of adolescence.
Venlov was drawn to the dualism between the youthful characters and the cemetery at which they met. Going on daily walks around the garden, the artist began engaging with his subjects, taking note of any revealing expressions or intimate gestures when faced with the camera.
Dedicated to the medium of portraiture, Venlov’s artistic practice is based on traditional photographic techniques. ‘Under Heaven’ is photographed over several summers, and the exhibition at Arden Asbæk Gallery will feature never before seen works from the series.
Opening hours
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00