Ærø Arkivet - A snapshot of island life

The exhibition ÆRØ ARCHIVE – a snapshot of island life puts faces and voices to life on Ærø, both now and in the future. The exhibition marks the beginning of a five-year art and outreach project that places the stories of Ærø’s residents at its heart.

ÆRØ ARCHIVE was created by photographer Mali Lazell in collaboration with Søbygaard. Over the next five years, the project will collect and display 100 photographic portraits and interviews with the island’s inhabitants – young and old, newcomers and natives – creating a living, growing archive of those who make up life on Ærø.

In the 2026 season, 16 new portraits will be presented, accompanied by short texts and personal voices. The portraits are complemented by a special sound installation created by Halfdan Abrahamsen. These new works are woven together with the 14 portraits from the 2025 exhibition, making the beginning of ÆRØ ARCHIVE a ready-to-explore collection.

ÆRØ ARCHIVE is not just an art exhibition; it is an important part of Søbygaard’s presentation of the theme Life on Ærø. It creates a space where residents and visitors alike can exchange perspectives and experience Ærø through the eyes of its islanders.