Allis Helleland, 2007, Foreword Diaries

The Royal Collection of Graphic Art at the National Gallery of Denmark contains a wealth of material from Danish and foreign artists' sketches and drawings, some are collected in decidedly sketchbooks, others are combined with written statements, thoughts, dreams and diary notes. Here it is possible to follow the creation of a work of art from the very first thoughts that the artist embodies, to follow how the idea develops and how form can breed new form and turn into something completely different from the original starting point.

When you sit in the museum's study room with this material, you feel an intimacy; one is nearer the moment when the artwork comes into being and can almost feel the artist's breath in his neck. This is also the case when sitting with Jørgen Haugen Sørensen's diaries, which still belong to the artist.

In connection with the preparations for the exhibition as this year's sculptor in Sculpture Street at the National Gallery of Denmark, and the accompanying biography of the artist, I was allowed access to the diaries and thus to the artist's very best, his dreams, his fantasies, his work process.

It was exciting reading, strong drawings and gave insight into Jørgen Haugen Sørensen's art and his views on the world, on people and on life. The substance was overwhelming and could not immediately be pressed into the biography. Therefore, the idea of ​​publishing the diaries arose.

Thanks to Jørgen Haugen Sørensen, who hereby agreed to give the public access to his very best. Thanks to the author Merete Pryds Helle, who undertook the great editing work. And thanks to the Augustinus Foundation, Nykredit and the Arts Council, who have provided financial support. It is my hope that the two book publications - the biography and the diaries - will be followed and complemented, so that knowledge and understanding of Jørgen Haugen Sørensen's art increases.