Giant troll exhibit brings message of sustainability to Cheekwood

The exhibition Trolls: Save the Humans by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo is currently open at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens until September 1, 2024. Six gigantic sculptural trolls, measuring between 16 feet tall and 24 feet long, each made from reclaimed materials. woods, take up residence around the Nashville Botanical Garden and the 55-acre arboretum to convey messages of stewardship and sustainability to humans or from the perspective of the troll, the “little people” of the earth.

“We are excited for Cheekwood guests to experience and learn from these larger-than-life visitors next summer,” said Jane MacLeod, president and CEO of Cheekwood in a statement. “Dambo’s trolls will feel at home in Cheekwood Gardens, and his example that something thrown away can become something beautiful is an important message for people of all ages.”

Trolls: Save the Humans is produced by Imagine Exhibitions in collaboration with Dambo. The Cheekwood iteration takes into account Cheekwood’s unique gardens, trees, and landscape for a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience. Children and adults will enjoy imagining each of the six tales inspired by troll folklore and reflecting on their individual messages to humanity. Trolls: Save the Humans is the final chapter in the global sculpture fairy tale, written by Dambo one installation at a time.

In this installation, six young activist trolls noticed that humans are disconnected from nature and have started harming the planet. The young trolls aim to help humans learn to live in harmony with nature. Full of personality, each troll has a name and plays a distinctive role within the tribe, becoming role models for humans. For example, Ronja Redeye, who is the leader of the group, has a voice that sounds like leaves whistling in the wind; when she speaks, everything else calms down. Another troll, Rosa Sunfinger, places flowers in a makeshift flowerpot made from a real car. Seeing the flowers grow makes her happy. She noted that “little people” could use a flower or two.

With a background in music and street art and a master’s degree from Kolding Design School, Dambo brings a creative and versatile approach to his multi-faceted installations. Dambo is internationally recognized for his troll sculptures, which have been privately commissioned and publicly exhibited around the world. Its gentle giants serve to facilitate reconnection with nature and encourage spectators to take better care of our planet.

Trolls: Save the Humans is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cheekwood members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets first. For exhibit details, membership information and more, visit www.chewood.org.

Incorrect shortcode settings for ads