On the lower level of Södertälje konsthall there was an exhibition with sketches and models of new public art in Södertälje. The collaboration with the Polish artist Wladyslaw Hasior was especially highlighted, an artist who on several occasions had exhibited at Södertälje konsthall. His powerful group of sculptures “Sun Span” (Solspann) on the hill by Maren Lake is visible to anyone who travels by train to Södertälje central station. The horses were cast on site, straight into the ground. In the concrete and metal scraps they are made of, there are traces of stone, gravel and dirt. Endowed with symbols they rise with an elemental power from the ground, forging ahead, upwards. Hasior was inspired by petroglyphs. At the opening ceremony, the sculpture group was illuminated by fire after a secret recipe by Hasior himself. This became an annual happening, in which people walked with torches to the site and performed the ritual along with speeches and poetry readings.

Olle Bonniérs’ public art in Fornbackaskolan’s canteen was also included in the sketch exhibition, as well as Sven H Johansson’s “tile mosaics” in the viaducts under Oxbacksleden, Lenny Clarhäll’s roof decorations at Rösbergaskolan and Percy Andersson’s model proposal for the design of Turingelunden.

Sources: Catalogue for New Art, New Exhibitions in Södertälje (Ny konst, nya utställningar i Södertälje), quotes from Per Drougge, p.2. This text was put together by Anneli Karlsson.