Exhibition from the cycle “Documentary photography”.

Danish art photographer focuses on the extreme closeup of people/persons in the north. Exhibition brings into discussion the relationship between humanity and state.

The exhibition centers on relations between human beings, society, and the state. It is a celebration of humanity’s diversity, psyche, and strength. But at the same, it is a reminder of the need for individual balance and not the least the balance between human solidarity and the system/state. NORDIC STATE lets viewers raise questions about themselves and the society that they are a part of in creating. There is room for insight and reflection and thereby the opportunity to grow as a human being at the exhibition. The exhibition is built on the photographer’s own life experiences and beliefs. Torben R. Petersen believes that it is only if we work with ourselves as individuals and our spiritual values such as self-consciousness and solidarity, that we have the possibility to change and redefine the parameters of the state we live in. The NORDIC STATE exhibition presents the possibility of redefining our current living standards and values and thereby restructuring the parameters of the state. We create our own reality! The world does not change - it is instead us that change mentally. If we are dissatisfied with something in our lives, we can change it by changing ourselves. With inner peace and harmonious living with ourselves, we can then create a comfortable life for ourselves and others. In the last decades, there has been a lot of focus on only having responsibility for one’s own happiness. This has created a missing tolerance for others that do not have the same perspective on life. With NORDIC STATE, Torben R. Petersen celebrates our diversity, because only with diversity and tolerance, does he believe that we can create a society where there is balance and room for everyone. We must in a time where states are to be redefined, remember to talk more about human solidarity, diversity, spirituality, and ethics - and not just about economy, structure, and legislation. Human drive, common sense, and tolerance demand fewer resources and are thereby cheaper than structure and control. A society created for and by human values ensures good health and well-being among citizens. For this reason alone, it is more economically and morally responsible than all the talk and legitimization of the need for more control and parameters.

NORDIC STATE asks the individual: What values do you wish for in your life? What state do you want to thrive in? According to the photographer, it is actually excuses that are enough to make us not believe in ourselves. The state is often criticized for society’s woes. But according to the photographer, it is not the state that is to blame. The message is that we should instead view the state as a system or structure that is defined and driven by human beings like ourselves. If one wishes for change, one should start with oneself.

Torben R. Petersen has created the exhibition NORDIC STATE to inspire and invoke human solidarity in all of us. As he lets the individual person create their own meanings, values, and perspectives, he hopes that the exhibition’s viewers will also let themselves be inspired to pass on the same freedoms to one surroundings.