Swedish Artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, Creator of Iconic Knotted-Gun Peace Sculpture, Dies at 81
Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd died at age 81, as reported by the New York Times. He created his most famous work, the sculpture Non-Violence, in 1985. This piece features a bronze revolver with its barrel tied in a knot. Reuterswärd conceived it following the 1980 murder of his friend John Lennon. The sculpture was initially placed in Strawberry Field within New York's Central Park, near the apartment Lennon shared with Yoko Ono. By 1993, the Non-Violence Project Foundation adopted the artwork as its emblem, using it to promote conflict resolution education for youth. Replicas of the sculpture now stand in over 30 global locations, including Malmö, New York, Beijing, and Cape Town. The work's widespread presence underscores its enduring status as an international symbol for peace.
Key facts
- Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd was a Swedish artist.
- He died at the age of 81.
- His death was reported by the New York Times.
- He is best known for the sculpture Non-Violence from 1985.
- The sculpture depicts a knotted gun.
- It was created after John Lennon's killing in 1980.
- Lennon was a friend of Reuterswärd.
- The first installation was in Strawberry Field, Central Park, New York.
- It was placed near Lennon's apartment with Yoko Ono.
- In 1993, the Non-Violence Project Foundation adopted it as a symbol.
- The foundation teaches young people non-violent conflict resolution.
- Copies exist in more than 30 cities worldwide.
- Example cities include Malmö, New York, Beijing, and Cape Town.
Entities
Artists
- Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd
- John Lennon
- Yoko Ono
Institutions
- New York Times
- Non-Violence Project Foundation
Locations
- Sweden
- New York
- Central Park
- Strawberry Field
- Malmö
- Beijing
- Cape Town