Gallery 01:14

BETRAY THE MOTHERLAND

During the 1960s and 1970s, many Swedish artists actively supported the social movements and political struggles of the time. In an increasingly polarised society, art became a forum for challenging established power structures and prevailing norms. Through their work, artists addressed ideological conflicts, such as those between traditional values and the struggle for equality, and between economic growth and the emerging environmental movement. They often had a strong belief in the potential of art to influence and bring about change. Many of the works were seen as provocative, and artistic freedom became the subject of intense debate. In some cases, the limits of what was permissible were deemed to have been crossed. One example of this was a work by Carl Johan De Geer, where he wrote a call to action beside the Swedish flag, urging people to desecrate it, to refuse to bear arms and to betray the country. 

Other artists turned towards more performative forms of expression, exploring the relationship between the artwork, the artist and the audience. Kjartan Slettemark frequently adopted his poodle persona during public appearances, such as at the opening of Malmö Konsthall in 1975. During this event, he was removed by the police after playfully nipping visitors on the legs. Through these actions, he sought to critique the power dynamics within society and the role of the artist as a lapdog.