Herr Nilsson's Subversive Street Art Under Stockholm Bridge
Underneath a bridge at Lillsjön lake in Stockholm, Swedish street artist Herr Nilsson has unveiled a series of paintings that utilize water reflections to amplify their impact. These artworks provide a fresh take on cultural symbols, including ballerinas from Swan Lake, Winnie the Pooh, and John Bauer's Tuvstarr, depicted in unconventional contexts. One piece, 'Dance of the Little Swans,' portrays ballerinas wielding AK-47s, a commentary on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inspired by Nilsson's experience watching Swan Lake with his ballet dancer daughter at the Stockholm Opera House. Another artwork illustrates Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin in an upside-down umbrella, representing defiance, while Tuvstarr is depicted as a gender non-conforming character. The deep water and bridge environment safeguard the installations from being removed.
Key facts
- Herr Nilsson is a Swedish street artist.
- The paintings are installed under a bridge at Lillsjön lake in Stockholm.
- The works include 'Dance of the Little Swans', 'It's Today My Favorite Day', and 'Tuvstarr'.
- The ballerina painting responds to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Nilsson was inspired while watching Swan Lake at the Stockholm Opera House with his daughter.
- Swan Lake is traditionally broadcast in Russia during crises.
- TV Rain (Dozhd) ended its final broadcast with Swan Lake after being forced to shut down.
- The Winnie the Pooh painting is about rebelling against expectations.
- Tuvstarr is based on a painting by John Bauer, a famous Swedish illustrator.
- The bridge location was chosen for its atmosphere and protection from removal.
- In 2017, Nilsson painted a version of Caravaggio's Narcissus with Justin Bieber at the same spot.
Entities
Artists
- Herr Nilsson
- John Bauer
- Caravaggio
- Justin Bieber
Institutions
- Stockholm Opera House
- TV Rain (Dozhd)
Locations
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Lillsjön lake
- Estonia
- Soviet Union
- Russia
- Ukraine