Aeronauter (2002)

Aeronauter (Aeronauts) is a commission for Södersjukhuset hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. In preparation for this work, I was researching classical ceiling paintings in churches and profane buildings. I was always fascinated by the cherubim in these images. They have many different names, such as putti, seraphim, chupidon, genies or erots, and they can symbolize the act of love or serve as God’s messengers. In The Old Testa- ment they are winged guards at the gates of Heaven. The word ”aeronaut” means ”air sailor”. In these three photographs, I have tried to make a contemporary counterpart to the classical paintings. They were to create a soothing and positive experience with a sense of humor.