Henrik Saxgren: Somali Father with Daughter, 2002

"I’m intrigued. Why is that photograph placed here, among all these old paintings in gold frames? It stands out. It’s a photograph. The work does not share the wall with any other works. It’s on its own, yet joined with the others. It forms a minority in the room. Just like the people depicted in it constitute a minority in Denmark.

Lots of questions present themselves. Where was the photo taken? It could be anywhere. And why is the Monet behind them upside down? And who are these two people, looking straight out at us with kind expressions?

Photography has a very special quality. It is so easy to become a part of it. I think I am drawn to this work because it pokes at your prejudices. Are these people poor? Do they live in a socially disadvantaged area? We look at all the external things. That makes us blind. Why don’t we think he is a professor? That she is a researcher? I think that’s interesting.

I’m from the working class. When I was a child, we never visited an art museum. I do that now. I love it. And I often bring my kids."

The work is on display at level 8.

Photo: Vita Korsgaard

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