AGAPE (2022)
The work AGAPE both refers to and contrasts with the design of the classical Greek sculpture by appearing as a hybrid between masculine and feminine body features. The sculpture breaks with traditional gendered character traits and space of opportunity and offers a new nurturing masculine identity where vulnerability and masculinity can play together. In other words, the breastfeeding and nourishing man focuses on the gaps between the sexes, and thus questions what the man should be and be able to do. With neoclassical references to the ancient word agape, which in its Greek origin means unlimited love and affection, the work brings to mind the renaissance of the modern man. Where masculine strength in the past has most often been portrayed as destructive, violent and battle-ready, the strength is expressed here through presence, tenderness and care for the new life – a new generation. The work thus equates vulnerability and courage in a fluid understanding of gender and can thus be read into both spiritual and political contexts.
The materiality of the sculpture is partly 3D-scanned from the artist’s own body and also exposes the artist’s own vulnerability in a rematerialisation of a classic marble sculpture, which most often highlights society’s gendered ideals carved in stone. Here, Agape mimics the invulnerable surface of the marble – albeit in a plastic and light, but still strong material. It thus focuses on itself as a digital reproductive work that, like the Renaissance’s artistic depictions of the body, represents a new and still malleable age for man, both materially, technically and metaphysically.
PRIMA MATERIA (2021)
An encounter with death forces a young man to dance with archetypal demons in a mysterious alchemical universe. In his subconscious, he is confronted with his inner shadowy sides in the quest to escape himself, but the more layers he dives into, the harder it becomes to escape …
PRIMA MATERIA is an intense experimental art film written and directed by Aske Jonatan Kreilgaard and produced in collaboration between Aske Jonatan Kreilgaard and FLIMR productions. The film is Kreilgaard’s debut in film art and is supported by The Agency for Culture and Palaces. The film’s primary contributors include dancers Lukas Hartvig-Møller from Dansk Danseteater, Anne-Claire Theissen former dancer at Dansk Danseteater and director of the Royal Ballet in Denmark and Mikkel Alexander Tøttrup from Holstebro Teater, while the music is composed by Simon Littauer with music by Mike Sheridan accompanied by opera singers Richard Låås and Laura Chareun. For more info: https://primamateriafilm.com/
Genre DRAMA
Country / year DENMARK, 2021
Playing time 24:00
Movie premiere PREMIERE IN 2022, date coming soon
Language ENGLISH
Text language WITHOUT SUBTITLES
Original title PRIMA MATERIA
Actors LUKAS HARTVIG-MØLLER, ANNE-CLAIRE THEISSEN, MIKKEL ALEXANDER TØTTRUP, SOFIA SELIMAN PEDERSEN, LAILA WODTKE NISSEN, ULRIK FIBIGER RYDAHL, ASKE JONATAN KREILGAARD M.FL.
Instruction ASKE JONATAN KREILGAARD
Production FLIMR PRODUCTIONS AND KREILGAARD PRODUCTIONS
Manuscript ASKE JONATAN KREILGAARD
Les Enfants de Nobel: Echoes of The Jungle (2018)
“Les Enfants de Nobel: Echoes of The Jungle” is a deeply evocative series of mixed-media artworks created from 100 gas canisters collected from the former refugee camp known as “The Jungle” in Calais, France. This series, meticulously crafted by the artist who lived and worked in The Jungle for nearly a year, serves as a poignant testament to the lives and struggles of the refugees, particularly the children, who sought solace in this transient community. Each gas canister, produced by Nobel, has been transformed into a unique artwork, housing small bronze sculptures with expressive faces. These sculptures, with their hauntingly vivid expressions, symbolize the resilience and pain of the children affected by the brutal conditions and frequent police confrontations in the camp. The title “Les Enfants de Nobel” (The Children of Nobel) poignantly captures the irony of their plight, juxtaposing the invention of dynamite by Alfred Nobel, originally intended for construction, against its use in instruments of oppression. The artist’s inspiration stems from a particularly traumatic memory: a day when a football game, a rare moment of normalcy and joy for the refugee children, was violently interrupted by a police raid and tear gas. This event, among many others, left an indelible mark on the artist, compelling them to create this series as both a memorial and a call for awareness. “Les Enfants de Nobel” is not just an artistic endeavor but a powerful narrative woven through repurposed symbols of conflict. It aims to ensure that the memories of The Jungle and its inhabitants are not forgotten, highlighting a significant chapter in European history that still resonates today. The expressive bronze faces within the gas canisters invite viewers to connect emotionally with the stories of these displaced children, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the refugee experience. This series stands as a stark reminder of the past and a plea for a more compassionate future, urging society to remember and act upon the lessons of history to address ongoing humanitarian crises.
YOU MUST SURVIVE (2017-)
‘YOU MUST SURVIVE’ is an experimental story telling performance that through live music, dramaturgy, personal storytelling, and dialogue, has guided nearly 100,000 people over the past few years out in the world and deep into a young man’s desperate search for meaning and love. Supported by the European Commission, the performance has been showcased in theaters, churches, schools, universities, and private companies across Denmark. It covers universal themes such as gender and sexuality, bullying, hitchhiking, economic and emotional independence, survival, mental health, art, family, masculinity, the refugee crisis, hope, and forgiveness.
Pop-up art exhibition ‘The Jungle’ (2016)
Aske immersed himself for one year in the illegal refugee camp known as The Jungle in Calais. During his time there, he became an influential figure, founding the NGO Refugee Youth Service to support unaccompanied children. This organization, which began in the heart of The Jungle, now operates across Europe, striving to secure the rights and well-being of unaccompanied refugee children. The pop-up art exhibition, “The Jungle,” is a deeply moving presentation that draws directly from Kreilgaard’s experiences and the lives of the children in the camp. It seeks to convey the intense emotions and violent realities that permeated daily life in The Jungle. Through this exhibition, Kreilgaard offers a raw and unfiltered look at the harsh conditions and indomitable spirit of the camp’s youngest inhabitants.The exhibition features a series of artworks that capture the essence of The Jungle. Each piece reflects the chaos, fear, hope, and resilience of the children who lived there. By incorporating materials and stories from the camp, Kreilgaard brings an authenticity and urgency to his work, challenging viewers to confront the often-overlooked human side of the refugee crisis. “The Jungle” was showcased at Østre Stationsvej 41, Odense, and was available for viewing until 23 December 2016. This exhibition not only serves as a powerful reminder of a significant chapter in recent European history but also as a call to action to support and protect the rights of refugee children across the continent.
Voices Unfiltered: Stories from the Children of The Jungle (2016)
“Voices Unfiltered: Stories from the Children of The Jungle” is an evocative collection of writings created by refugee children from The Jungle camp in Calais, France. In January 2016, recognizing the limitations and biases inherent in stories told by outside journalists and artists, the artist purchased a portable typewriter. This typewriter became a tool for empowerment, allowing the children to document their experiences in their own words, free from external interpretation or censorship. This collection is a raw, unedited glimpse into the minds of young refugees. The use of a typewriter, as opposed to pen and paper or a computer, offers a unique visual representation of the children’s thought processes. The pages are filled with spelling mistakes and phonetic interpretations of the English language, providing an authentic, unfiltered voice that underscores the reality that these stories are penned by children. These imperfections add a layer of sincerity and intimacy, reminding the reader that these narratives belong to young individuals who could have been born anywhere in the world, but whose lives were irrevocably altered by conflict. The stories themselves are profoundly touching in their simplicity and honesty. They transport the reader into the world of a child fleeing war, offering a fleeting yet powerful connection to their hopes, fears, and resilience. Through their own words, these children share their personal journeys, capturing moments of innocence amidst the chaos, and revealing the universal nature of childhood even in the most challenging circumstances. “Voices Unfiltered” is more than a collection of stories; it is a testament to the resilience and agency of the children who lived through the hardships of The Jungle. By providing these young voices a platform to be heard directly, the artist not only preserves their narratives but also challenges the audience to confront the human side of the refugee crisis. This project stands as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of listening to those who are often unheard.