Anders Rönnlund, a Swedish artist renowned for his thought-provoking art installations, explores themes of death, nature, and inevitable power in his works, which have gained global recognition with exhibitions in countries such as Mexico, Chile, Poland, England, Ecuador, Japan, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, and Sweden. Rönnlund’s artistic approach involves seamlessly merging tangible elements with sound or establishing non-obvious connections, creating a unique and immersive experience for viewers.

One of Rönnlund’s earlier works, “Wheat-Blood,” deserves attention for its intriguing concept. In this installation, wheat grows with red particles, and the irrigation process mirrors that of traditional grain cultivation or plant care. However, I would like to focus on a particular work that captured my attention during the NOmade Bienal, titled “Beast on Fire in Poland.”

From a distance, the installation features black boards arranged in a rectangle, accompanied by a rope, evoking associations with a funeral and a falling coffin. Upon closer inspection, black water and metal pipes resembling daggers become apparent. Within the “coffin,” a silhouette of a man immersed in black water suggests various interpretations—a person submerging into a pool of blood, drifting into nothingness, or navigating a black river.

Notably, the installation includes an interactive element: instructions encourage viewers to grab the cord and pull it until it locks. Upon executing this action, the submerged figure rises from the water, emitting a distinct sound upon descent—a loud, eerie noise resembling a breath. According to the artist, this sound symbolizes a man’s last breath, adding a visceral dimension to the viewer’s experience.

On Rönnlund’s website, the installation is accompanied by lines written in three languages, which read as follows:

Hymn to the dead
“Is it a ditch, wheresoever?
Everyone has left the place, only a hymn to the dead remains
a song in the wind
distant voices, the swaying grass
and the leaves on the trees rustling.”

This installation prompts contemplation on life and facilitates a nuanced engagement with the concept of death. Rönnlund’s ability to evoke such reflections through his art reinforces his status as a captivating and influential artist in the contemporary art scene.