Trolls

Trolls are mythical creatures that every child in Scandinavia knows. They inspired the artist Thomas Dambo from Copenhagen to create a work that can now be admired in many countries: giant trolls made from old wood. What they have in common with the mythical creatures: They also like to hide, because that is part of the concept.

Sculptor Dambo and his team erect the sculptures in places in nature where there are no official paths. The Dane wants people to discover the beauty of nature during their search for the trolls. The connection between man and nature is what drives Dambo:

“We need to get out into nature, rediscover its diversity and vulnerability, and we little human children must finally take a step back so that we don't disappear soon.”

All of the sculptures that have found their hiding places in Denmark, China, Mexico and many other countries around the world are made from recycled materials or wood that construction companies have discarded. The trolls in his current project “The Six Forgotten Giants” are also made of 100 percent waste wood.

They sit, stand or lie in surprisingly natural-looking postures in the middle of wild vegetation, appearing approachable and friendly despite their imposing size of up to eight meters and as if they are just resting a little after a long hike. You might like to keep them company as they sit there alone. Talk to them. Climb around on them. Anything goes! But don't wait too long, otherwise they will be gone: none of the works of art are permanent, but weather away after six or seven years. Then they become part of nature again.