Through a letter, Södertälje konsthall received an offer to show version of the exhibition that the Modern Museum showed in the summer of 1971. It consisted of about 500 pictures of Gun Kessle for which Jan Myrdal wrote texts.

The exhibition was based on the longer journeys that the Kessle-Myrdal couple made during the years 1962 – 1970. They traveled in Europe, but above all in Asia.

The exhibition has a clear socio-political aspect. A letter from the Museum of Modern Art explains the intention:

“They tell of architectural monuments and works of art as an expression of class society – the power of man over man – the walls of power.” and further describes the view of the artist from a historical perspective “The same applies to the artistic decoration, sculptures, reliefs, mosaics, etc. Art would be a mirror for the rulers but to shape the mirror images they used artists. In every work there is a built-in conflict. ”.

The letters state that the Kessle-Myrdal couple are very pleasant to work with. They participated and gave an introduction at the press screening at the Museum of Modern Art. ”… And if the Art Gallery is interested in ev. side events where they can show, or arrange an Albania evening el. similar, I think the exhibition makes itself heard. ” Signed by Åke Sidwall from the Moderna Museet.

The archive material that Södertälje konsthall provides from the exhibition is very scarce except for these two letters.

Sources: Södertälje konsthalls archive folder, compiled by Anneli Karlsson.