Viggo Rivad is one of Denmark’s most respected photographers – even in the established art world. He managed in the 1970’s and 1980’s to create striking images that have been a part of the common Danish heritage since then. His black/white documentary pictures are today an important oeuvre of Danish photography and carries both the imprint of both engagement and poetry. And although his images are usually skillful, it is the story that carries the meaning. He has portrayed important elements of (our) existence.
However it is not “just” documents from the history of Denmark, but also a poetic approach to reality. Poetry comes clear identification of the portraits, particularly those from Barcelona bars in the early 1950’s and gypsies from southern Spain. Human germ seems to be the face and, by extension, it seems natural that in his exploration of Auschwitz (1975) photographed portraits of dead concentration camp prisoners. There is sincere despair and helplessness over this part of Viggo Rivad’s work. Immediately far from the most acclaimed series, the aestheticizing “From Venice” which was published in book form in 1980, which also confirmed Viggo Rivad’s position in the established art world.
Immediately one connects Viggo Rivad with Denmark – or more precisely – Copenhagen. With numerous pictures and reports from homeless people at Kofoed’s School, workers from B&W Teglholmen, or just quiet interiors from a barber shop or another store, where life is quiet. But Viggo Rivad has often sought out. Not least to Spain. Viggo Rivad will turn 90 on summer 2012.
Lars Schwander, who is curating the show, has approximately 300 photographs in his private collection.
Organized in cooporation with the Danish Embassy Spain, E-mail: madamb@um.dk