Forgotten Realms

Ghosts, giants and trolls. Nymphs, lantern-carrying spirits, werewolves, and witches. The region of Halland, southwest on the Swedish westcoast has a history filled with old stories, myths, and legends about supernatural creatures and phenomena, and the county of Kungsbacka is no exception. These are narratives and testimonies that have been passed down for generations and become part of a cultural-historical 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 the everyday life and the supernatural, where humans were only temporary visitors of whom respect and reverence were demanded. In the twilight hour, the unthinkable became possible. 

In the age of modern society, the time of myths appeared to have passed. Industrialization, capitalism, and scientific advancement gradually alienated people from their belief in ensouled nature and the deeper dimensions of being human. Yet, at the same time, the supernatural never ceased to fascinate and for many remains an integral part of life, identity and belonging.

In a time characterized by advanced weaponry, ‘fake news’, conspiracy theories, extreme weather, selfies, screens – speed and affect – ensouled nature, the spiritual and magical world seems to have taken on new meaning that tempts our fantasies and needs in the search for our inner selves. Global mobilization in the face of environmental and climatic threats, along with a growing 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.

With the residency Forgotten Realms, Art Inside Out invites artists to explore the irrational, fantastic and magical in our lives through various forms of artistic investigations.