"Your view on Swedish art" // LUND UNIVERSITY - Swedish Art in a Scandinavian Context

What do I know? (formative assessment)

I want you to write a paper describing your view of Swedish art. Is it something very unfamiliar and maybe exotic for you, or familiar and something that you already know a little about? Is there something particular about Swedish art you are interested in and want to learn more about? A kind of self-reflection on your position in relation to Swedish art today.

Some might argue that Swedish art is traditional, perhaps even old and forgotten. While Swedish design is often highlighted for its modern appeal, it is rooted in traditional art forms such as Swedish folk art. A prime example is the iconic Dalarna horse. 

Although I am not familiar with the names or labels of traditional Swedish art, my travels across Sweden have revealed its vibrant and colorful craftsmanship. This aesthetic even reminds me of elements in Slavic art. Yet, that is Swedish art's strength—Sweden has maintained its cultural identity for centuries, historically avoiding significant outside influence. Therefore, we can guess why such progress in the design field. Sweden seems to have partially forgotten its traditions, perhaps because they are so familiar, and Swedes are known for embracing innovation. Some people still will go and find handmade old-fashioned traditional art, there are modernists who want to buy the Dalarna horse but not in its traditional colours, but modern black, white, and grey. This shift from traditional craft to modern design raises questions about how Sweden balances innovation with preserving its artistic heritage.

Swedish art does not feel exotic to me, as Latvia and Sweden share geographic and cultural proximity. However, I have noticed one key difference: Swedish art often embraces brighter colors and a freer sense of expression than traditional Latvian art's more subdued, earthy tones. This contrast intrigues me and raises questions about how historical and cultural contexts have shaped these artistic identities. 

In Latvia, colors are primarily seen in traditional folk costumes from certain regions. It’s fascinating that while contemporary Swedish design is known for its minimalist black, white, and grey tones, traditional crafts were far more colorful. Wooden crafts, ceramics, and countryside interiors in Sweden also differ from their Latvian counterparts, which often used darker, earthy tones. Perhaps Sweden's historical lack of wealth led its folk artists to embrace bright colors as a way to bring cheer and warmth into everyday life. This is something I hope to learn more about in future classes.

I am eager to understand the turning point when traditional Swedish art evolved into modern design. How did Sweden embrace modernism, and how does art contribute to preserving Swedish identity?As I have explored Sweden from up and down, I find it interesting now to learn about things I have seen but not known and understood. I guess it’s the identity question of visual the most I want to learn about. 

What do I know? Not enough. When visiting museums and galleries, I rarely see Swedish artists represented compared to those from Western cultures. While Swedish design, interiors, and fashion are widely celebrated, Swedish art remains less discussed. Why is that?