Resiliens
Aluminium, lighting, Ø 650 cm, 2022.
Public artwork, MKB, Sege Park, Malmö.

The work portrays a cross-section of a willow root magnified about 1800 times. I have chosen to work with the willow tree because it is closely connected to the cultural landscape in the south of Skåne. A landscape characterised by undulating corn fields and willow windbreaks and avenues.

The willow is, unlike many other trees, very flexible and can be bent without breaking. That means it is capable of adjusting and adapting to life.

From the 16th century and onwards, the Scanian forests were greatly diminished by war, the founding of cities and industries, ceaseless grazing in outfields, and the continuous use of plant material for fences. The planting of trees therefore became a necessity. The willow quickly became one of the most important types of tree, as it is easy to plant, easy to multiply and has a rapid growth rate.

Willow windbreaks and avenues have had many functions in the cultivation landscape, in addition to contributing to biological diversity by acting as microhabitats. They were used to mark out roads during heavy snowfall or whenever wind obscured them with sand or dirt. They were an excellent source of materials for various types of manufacturing. They prevented erosion by acting as windshields and by holding the soil in place with its roots. They improved crop yields, acted as a lumber reserve and, through pollarding and the processing of leaves and twigs, offered an important addition to livestock fodder during the winter. The willow avenue also acted as magnificent property boundary markers; they enhanced the impression of a location and highlighted social status.

The tree root symbolises the strong connection we have with our home, to the past and to the importance of the location. The roots enable us to stand firm and offer a solid foundation to build upon.