Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Culture Special
Creative recess in the deep Swedish forest Not Quite is a parrot in the forest. It is a silver thread in the rag board; a little bit of New York in the middle of the periphery. By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Malin Robertson Harén
People all over the world are drawn to scenic Dalsland in the west of Sweden due to the untouched nature and genuine experiences. The remote location of culture centre Not Quite entices rather than deters and has become a popular summer destination with 30,000 visitors last year. Not Quite is a co-operative for artists, run by 65 members who all possess different artistic skills. There are photographers, blacksmiths, carpenters, furniture designers, art designers, textile artists, ceramicists, musicians, painters and more. Malin Robertson Harén, marketing manager and member of Not Quite, is excited about this summer’s programme. “Just like last year, our members are co-producing our exhibitions, but this year with a theme: Not Quite Motherland.”
It is still up to artists to interpret the theme, but with a Swedish election coming up, some political messages will most likely figure. “The local choir, Not Quite
A full list of events and dates is available on the Not Quite website. Web: www.notquite.se
Enjoy art the slow way In an old industrial area of Gothenburg, Sweden, Röda Sten Konsthall exhibits contemporary art across four floors. The building is an old boiler house that has, through a grassroots effort, been preserved and become what it is today: “A place where you can relax, enjoy art and hang out on Gothenburg’s nicest outdoor patio, right next to the water,” explains Mia Christersdotter Norman, director at Röda Sten Konsthall. Röda Sten Konsthall is renowned as a popular choice on tourists’ itineraries when visiting Gothenburg. “I think our guests like the whole experience of visiting us. The area is striking, our exhibitions host both Swedish and international artists, and there is no pressure of buying something,” says Christersdotter Norman. Many people also come for the amazing restaurant,
which has been mentioned in White Guide. “The meat-free Sunday brunch is ever so popular,” the director smiles. This Spring, Röda Sten Konsthall will introduce the concept Slow Art Days. “Normally a person spends 15 to 20 seconds on each piece of art,” explains Christersdotter Norman. “We want to encourage our visitors to explore what happens when one
Photo: Michelle Boynton
54 | Issue 110 | March 2018
Vokalensemble, is also for the eighth consecutive year producing an ever so popular opera, which is playing during the last weekend in June,” says Robertson Harén. The café at Not Quite is for the first time leased and will open with new efforts. “But our high-quality organic food and homemade pastries will of course remain,” Robertson Harén assures.
By Sara Wenkel | Photos: Hendrik Zeitler
spends more time at an exhibition. The viewer may understand additional layers of the art and it is almost like meditating – basically, an opportunity to reflect and take care of yourself.” 14 April marks International Slow Art Day, and Röda Sten Konsthall will arrange several events on the theme throughout March and April. Web: www.rodastenkonsthall.se Facebook: rodastenkonsthall Instagram: @rodastenkonsthall Twitter: @rodasten