Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo

The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the North American debut of Trolls: A Field Study. These twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

All twelve of these unique and delightful explorers can be found in the Arboretum’s formal gardens and along its trails November 15 through February 17. Six of the trolls will also be honored guests at the Arboretum’s Winter Lights show from November 15 through January 4, where guests can encounter them among the dazzling display of lights that has become Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are 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. Visitors will be able to use a “treasure map” to track down the trolls and meet them face-to-face!

About the Artist

Born in Odense, Denmark in 1979, Artist Thomas Dambo’s mission is to create art that inspires people to explore, have adventures in nature, and show that recycled goods can be turned into something beautiful.Before embarking on the path of building larger-than-life troll sculptures, Thomas led a multi-faceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School in Kolding, Denmark, with a master’s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today. He currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.