Johan Thurfjell is an artist who, since the beginning of the 21st century, has created in a borderland between myth and reality. Starting from his studio in Vagnhärad, he transforms stories of the most separate things into art that is connected in peculiar ways. Highly everyday personal observations combined with legends from all around the world, from which he builds up his own poetic contexts in many layers. The works are made in many different materials. Sometimes very technically advanced and challenging alongside slow artistic craft methods.

The story presented in Borderland moves between the swamps of Mississippi, USA and the forests of Tullgarn, Södertälje. Existential questions about life and death and rituals and symbols that appear in all cultures throughout time is found in the art works. They can be seen as an attempt to reach from our reality to a possible other, if we only dare to look.

Johan Thurfjell has been shown in many exhibitions both in Sweden and internationally, including in the exchange that took place with Japanese artists in the association EAJAS and Södertälje artists’ association Södertälje konstnärskrets in Contemporary Art From Sweden part III, 2019. The exhibition Borderland at Södertälje konsthall October 19 – November 30 is the first act, the second act is presented in the upcoming exhibition The other side at Fullersta Gård in Huddinge, 25 January – 27 April 2025. Take the opportunity to experience both acts!

Maja-Lena Molin, Artistic Director, Södertälje konsthall

Program:

Opening Saturday 19 October
At 1 pm Maja-Lena Molin, Artistic Director, Södertälje konsthall welcomes you.
Johan Thurfjell presents the exhibition in a conversation with Magnus Bärtås, artist and writer.

During the exhibition period, we offer shorter introductions to the exhibition by our hosts.

Special guided tours:
Saturday 26 October at 12: Introduction to the exhibition by Johan Thurfjell.
At 13, 14.30: Join us and play The Chatawa Game. Johan Thurfjell introduces us and gives us the opportunity to play The Chatawa Game. Limited number of participants.

Friday 8 November at 12: Introduction to the exhibition by Johan Thurfjell.
At 13, 14.30: Join us and play The Chatawa Game. Johan Thurfjell introduces us and gives us the opportunity to play The Chatawa Game. Limited number of participants.

Saturday 16 November at 12: Introduction to the exhibition by Johan Thurfjell.
At 13, 14.30: Join us and play The Chatawa Game. Johan Thurfjell introduces us and gives us the opportunity to play The Chatawa Game. Limited number of participants.

Saturday 23 November at 12: Introduction to the exhibition by Johan Thurfjell.
At 13, 14.30: Join us and play The Chatawa Game. Johan Thurfjell introduces us and gives us the opportunity to play The Chatawa Game. Limited number of participants.

Saturday 30 November at 12: Introduction to the exhibition by Johan Thurfjell.
At 13, 14.30: Join us and play The Chatawa Game. Johan Thurfjell introduces us and gives us the opportunity to play The Chatawa Game. Limited number of participants.