Art that inspires people to explore and have adventures in nature.
Trolls: A Field Study invites you to discover the whimsical world of twelve oversized troll sculptures as they embark on a curious journey to learn about us humans.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these larger-than-life sculptures bring a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate, and inventive ways of life. Crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets, and twigs, each troll has a distinct personality, including their fearless leader, Taks. Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.
Discover the world-premiere of this latest exhibition, only at Whipsande Zoo this summer. Included in Zoo entry.
About the artist
Thomas Dambo is a recycle artist and activist in Denmark and is the leading recycle artist worldwide. He is best known for his colossal troll sculptures that ‘live’ as permanent or semi-permanent installations in parks, green spaces, industrial parks and other site-specific locations worldwide.
Driven by a passion to inspire people to explore our relationship with the planet, many of Thomas Dambo's works have an associated folk tale written by him that addresses a complex problem of our world in an approachable, fun way.
Thomas Dambo's mission is to ‘waste no more’ by creating art that inspires people to explore and have adventures in nature, demonstrating that trash can be turned into something beautiful.
Why trolls?
In Scandinavian culture, trolls are commonly associated with nature and in fairy tales, legends and folklore are a powerful symbol of the wild, untamed natural world. Often inhabiting remote or rugged landscapes, they are frequently seen as guardians of nature, reflecting a cultural understanding of the natural world as something powerful, unpredictable, fragile in the face of humankind, and worthy of respect and preservation.
Changing the world for the better
I don’t think that a sculpture of a troll will save the world, but I think that a sculpture of a troll made with recycled materials through the help of local volunteers can maybe remind us that we can change the world with our own hands…
A very special adventure is coming to Whipsnade Zoo this summer - twelve trolls need YOU to be their field researchers!
These gigantic visitors have set off on an exciting mission to learn all they can about humankind – and they need the help of curious, nature-loving kids to lead the way.
