The Danish Pavilion presents Rise of the Sunken Sun, a photography exhibition by Greenlandic artist Inuuteq Storch, curated by Louise Wolthers. This marks the first time that the Danish Pavilion has showcased a major exhibition by an artist from Greenland, as well as its first presentation dedicated to photography. Aligned with the curatorial theme of the Biennale Arte 2024, Stranieri Ovunque - Foreigners Everywhere, Storch’s exhibition for the Danish Pavilion Rise of the Sunken Sun delves into the concept of engaging in a decolonial process, emphasising the pursuit of visibility, with a sensitive awareness of the complexities within national, cultural, and personal identities.

Inuuteq Storch's Overall Artistic Project

In the artist’s own words, the essence of his project for the Biennale Arte 2024 is to “to tell the Greenlanders’ visual history, not seen through the visitors’ eyes, but through the Greenlanders’ own.” In the exhibition, Storch corrects and extends the prevailing vision of Greenland, a self-governing, autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. His work examines the expansiveness of Greenlandic identity, seamlessly merging historical and family photographs with contemporary snapshots of everyday life.

Rise of the Sunken Sun presents an extensive selection of photographic works by the artist, in new, site-specific formats, re-contextualising historical and contemporary works through juxtaposition. Complemented by musical compositions and soundscapes, the exhibition also includes a sculptural element resembling a red, glowing halved disk. The work symbolises the Arctic sunset over the white icy landscape, with allusions to the Greenlandic flag, traditional Inuit beliefs, and the exhibition title.

Storch’s presentation consists of hundreds of photographs taken on various cameras. Each image uniquely tells a story about Greenlandic life and identity, both historically and today. Works include Storch's raw, intimate, and poetic photographs of his life in his hometown of Sisimiut; images from his family’s photo archives; as well as a digitised compilation of historical photographs by John Møller, the first professional Greenlan­dic photographer. The Danish Pavilion thus transforms into a kaleidoscope, offering an ever-changing visual narrative that remains steadfastly rooted in the Greenlandic experience, life, and identity.

From DANMARK to Kalaallit Nunaat

Rise of the Sunken Sun centres on conveying personal stories on one’s own terms. In line with this ethos, Storch has mounted a transparent sign on top of the pavilion's DANMARK sign, bearing the words, "Kalaallit Nunaat", which translates to “Greenland” and literally means “land of the people” in Greenlandic. This subtle act skilfully articulates the intertwined bonds between the two countries, underscoring Storch’s commitment to showcase and celebrate Greenland through a visual narrative of daily life.

Inuuteq Storch says, “Greenland and its inhabitants have been extensively photographed since the mid-1800s. However, the majority of these images have been captured by visitors to Greenland, often serving as a form of documentation or registration of the country, its people, and its culture. Consequently, people worldwide have developed a fixed and limited perception of Greenland, shaped by the non-Greenlandic gaze reflected in these photographs.
The exhibition and my works serve as my artistic means to subtly and intricately modify the prevailing perception of my country. It’s an invitation – an opportunity to explore Greenland through my lens. I extend an invitation to the public, welcoming them to visit my home and experience the nuanced narrative I aim to convey through my art.”

Louise Wolthers says, “Through Storch's lens, we are offered a personal narrative of Greenland, beckoning viewers into a sensory exploration of history, belonging, and the intricate nuances of cultural identity. This exhibition showcases Storch’s multiple use of photography as storytelling and reminds us of the medium’s decolonial and worldbuilding potentials. It is a privilege to work with his material and be offered new insights into Greenland's visual history.”

For further information please contact Sutton Communications Carlotta La Tour, carlotta@suttoncomms.com or M +44 (0) 7525 117 036.