Rooted – The Edstrandska Foundation 75 Years

This exhibition tells an important story: since 1951, the Edstrandska Foundation has annually awarded one of Sweden’s largest art grants, playing a vital role in and around Sweden’s art scene. Founded to honour the siblings Reinhold, Gunhild, and Thekla Edstrand’s strong involvement with contemporary art, the foundation has significantly influenced generations of young artists by providing opportunities to focus on developing their artistic practices. This anniversary exhibition not only marks 75 years of art history but also demonstrates the impact that passion and dedication can have on society.

While one might think the exhibition offers a chronological history of Sweden’s local art scene, the Edstrandska Foundation’s story centres around artistic growth and therefore is anything but linear, aiming for broader perspectives. The 20 selected artists demonstrate that art doesn’t develop in a simple or predictable way. Rather, this exhibition challenges the linear perception of time prevalent in modern society, pointing towards connections that extend across time and place.

Imagine a robust root system where plants grow outward, spreading horizontally underground without a center point and continually in motion. This is how I like to think of the development the Edstrandska Foundation has contributed to — a lot of independent plants that have been given the opportunity to grow strong on their own, yet connected through a network of close relationships among subjects, matter, and the imagination. Through the artworks in the exhibition, I aim to evoke a sense that we are currently in an extended “now,” a moment inviting us to reflect on the past and envision the future.

I hereby welcome you to the anniversary exhibition, Rooted, which marks not only 75 years of history but also provides insight into a lively movement that has taken root and continues to thrive.

— Laura Goldschmidt, curator

Participating artists: Brita af Klercker (1906–2001), Ola Billgren (1940–2001), Cecilia Edefalk (b. 1954), Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967), Matts Leiderstam (b. 1956), Elmgreen & Dragset (b. 1961, 1969), Miriam Bäckström (b. 1967), Astrid Svangren (b. 1972), Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg (b. 1978, 1978), Luca Lee Frei (b. 1976), Andreas Eriksson (b. 1975), Nina Canell (b. 1979), Tamar Guimarães (b. 1967), Jens Fänge (b. 1965), Meriç Algün (b. 1983), Ingela Ihrman (b. 1985), Tarik Kiswanson (b. 1986), Marcus Matt (b. 1992), Hannes Östlund (b. 1993), and an anniversary grant recipient to be disclosed.