In connection with the inauguration of the Nämdö Archipelago National Park – Sweden’s first marine national park in the Baltic Sea – the Embassy of the Baltic Sea presents the exhibition Showing up as the Baltic Sea: Speak for the Sea. The problems of the Baltic Sea are complex and cannot be solved simply by protecting the area. Despite decades of knowledge about the sea’s poor health, the situation is not improving. Perhaps because the sea lacks its own voice in society? In the exhibition, seven artists have created masks embodying the beings of the Baltic Sea, mythical as well as physical. The exhibition invites visitors to a unique encounter with the sea as subject – with voices that we humans need to listen to and practice understanding.

- The Baltic Sea has been sick for decades. We have forgotten our relationship with the water and our dependence on the sea. By embodying the Baltic Sea’s beings and conditions, I hope to remind us of this vital connection, says Belinda Retourné, artist.

Masks support the understanding of sea beings as persons

Roman law, the first major legal system in Western civilization, developed a sharp distinction between persons (with rights) and things (which have no rights and can be owned by persons). This distinction lives on today. Nature is considered to be a thing, merely a resource for humans. Sea creatures are therefore not considered to be persons with their own needs and interests. The concept of a person actually also comes from ancient Rome. The original meaning, “mask, false face” describes the masks made of wood or clay that actors wore in the theater. Through masks, sea beings can be depicted and encountered as persons to be in communication with.

- Throughout history, people have taken on the identities of other beings to shift perspective and gain wisdom, says Pella Larsdotter Thiel, producer of the exhibition. In today’s ecological crisis, it is necessary to listen to nature. Allowing more-than-human voices to be heard in society can help us understand the complex interplay of life we are part of.


Practical information

Exhibition: Kulturhuset Gustavsberg, 4-21 september
- Parts of the exhibition will be shown 30–31 August on Bullerö

Event: 13 September at 1 pm,  Kulturhuset Gustavsberg
- Presentation of the exhibition and the Embassy of the Baltic Sea
- Mask-making workshop with Paula von Seth, Moderna Museet

Producer: Pella Larsdotter Thiel
Artists: Ellen Jakobsson, Maria Cotellessa, Achillea Dahl, Ann Engqvist, Emma-Lovisa Rydström, Belinda Retourné, Rio Bernstone
Graphic design: Karin Brodén

The exhibition is travelling – please get in touch if you would like to host the masks!

Contact:

info@embassybalticsea.com
Pella Larsdotter Thiel: +46 (0)73-658 98 84
Anne Marie Flood: +46 (0)70-666 02 83
Belinda Retourné: +46 (0)76-883 06 25