Wanås Konst Sculpture Park: A Harmonious Fusion of Art and Nature
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Loading... - Hartwin Stein
- 18 Jul 2024
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Wanås Konst, located in the verdant forests of Skåne in southern Sweden, offers a serene escape where art and nature meld seamlessly. The sculpture park, adjacent to a medieval castle and tranquil lake, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a unique environment where tree-lined pathways reveal an array of site-specific artworks.
The park, home to the Wachtmeister family since 1987, has become a canvas for an impressive roster of artists. Marika and Charles Wachtmeister have successfully attracted luminaries such as Yoko Ono, Jenny Holzer, William Forsythe, and Ann Hamilton to contribute to the landscape. Today, the park boasts around 70 artworks, each intricately woven into the natural surroundings.
Established in 1995, the Wanås Foundation initially thrived under Marika Wachtmeister’s direction until 2011, succeeded by Elisabeth Millqvist and Matthias Givell, with American-Danish curator Milena Høgsberg taking the helm in 2022. This dynamic leadership has continually infused fresh perspectives into the park's evolving exhibitions.
'The Ocean in the Forest'
This year’s two-part exhibition, 'The Ocean in the Forest', draws inspiration from a dream, evoking the memory of ancient floods evidenced by petrified forests and fossilized tree sap. "We were born from the water and emerged from this primordial soup – we were a drop in the ocean in a sense," Høgsberg reflects. This theme interweaves the elemental connection between ocean and forest, encouraging fantastical and magical interpretations.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Eduardo Navarro’s Enchanted Oak: Argentine artist Eduardo Navarro's piece, 'I Found a Forest at The Bottom of the Ocean' (2024), features a jellyfish sculpture enveloping an oak tree, adorned with chimes that respond to the wind or visitors’ touch. Navarro’s work symbolizes the ancient wisdom and unique language of jellyfish, bridging the marine and terrestrial realms.
Youmna Chlala’s Oceanic Reverie: Lebanese artist Youmna Chlala’s installation, 'This Feeling, Oceanic' (2024), invites contemplation. Visitors can recline on blue deckchairs and listen to Chlala’s reflections on the Mediterranean Sea and the transformative power of water, merging personal and universal narratives.
Evan Ifekoya’s Spiritual Pavilion: Nigerian artist Evan Ifekoya reimagines a historic tea pavilion with 'Apo Ifa for the High Heart and Warrior Spirit' (2024). This vibrant space, encased in Plexiglas, becomes a sanctuary for physical and spiritual renewal, inspired by the rituals of a Yoruba diviner.
Lavanya Mani’s Textile Narrative: Inside a rustic barn, Indian artist Lavanya Mani’s textile work, 'The Ark' (2019), presents a playful reimagining of Noah’s Ark. Utilizing the traditional kalamkari technique, the piece critiques colonialism and the historical trade across the Indian Ocean, blending cultural and historical references with ecological concerns.
Wanås Konst’s 'The Ocean in the Forest' exhibition not only highlights the profound relationship between land and sea but also underscores the park’s commitment to fostering artistic expression within the natural world. Visitors are encouraged to explore, reflect, and find new connections amidst the park’s enchanting landscapes and thought-provoking artworks.
