The King

DEMONSTRATION OF POWER, A GROUP EXHIBITION AT KRONBORG CASTLE, ELSINORE, 2008. CURATOR ALEXANDER TOVBORG

The installation the King is created from an investigation of royal personages and the symbols used to demonstrate power, obedience or wealth. The posture is taken from a painting of Christian VII. But instead of a classic portrait of a king, Westerberg depicts a naked man using a thin black line projected onto the wall. The external regalia – clothing, jewellery and weapons – are stripped away. All that’s left is a naked figure with no real power.

The jewellery and pets are also projected onto the walls of the room, but out of context, they lose their status and are devoid of value.