Forgotten Realms

Ghosts, giants and trolls. Nymphs, spirits, werewolves, and witches. The region of Halland, on the Swedish west coast, has a history filled with old tales, myths, and legends about supernatural creatures and phenomena. These narratives and testimonies have been passed down for generations and became part of a cultural heritage. In the old farming society, nature’s beings were a living element of everyday life and gave expression to our fears, cares, and moral dilemmas. The sea, lakes, and the deep forests were portals to that which could not be controlled – a border between everyday life and the supernatural, where humans were only temporary visitors from whom respect and reverence were demanded. In the twilight hour, the unthinkable became possible.

In the age of modern society, the time of myths appears to have passed. But now, in a time characterized by advanced weaponry, troll factories for the production of ‘fake news’, conspiracy theories, extreme weather and streams of selfies and screens, the ensouled nature, the spiritual and magical world seems to have taken on new meanings that tempts our fantasies and desires in search for our inner selves. Global mobilization in the face of environmental and climate threats, along with a longing for a life in harmony with nature, have meant that the forest and its inhabitants’ mystique, knowledge and power have become a sought-after refuge – far from the din of city life. Mythological and magical beings’ re-emerging presence crosses the boundaries of reality’s possibilities and points toward new queer worlds in which gender roles, perceptions of good and evil, beautiful and ugly, and us and Others stand to be dissolved.

In an artistic dialogue with Tjolöholm, the participating artists explore the irrational, fantastic and magical in our lives through various forms of artistic investigations. The works are installed all around Tjolöholm; inside the castle, along the forest paths, in the Gallery Loftet, in the worker’s residence and the church.

Read more about the participating artists and their art works.

Read about the opening event on the 16th of June read.