The Wonderful World of Abstraction

The Wonderful World of Abstraction takes its name from a piece of art created by the Swedish artist Jacob Dahlgren. Made up of vibrant, colourful silk ribbons and displayed on an aluminium frame, the piece resembles a curtain and is installed outdoors in the garden of the Institut Suédois Paris.

The installation is enchanting, both because of the ephemeral ribbons themselves and the concept behind them. Dahlgren conceived the idea for the piece during his visit to India, where he was captivated by colourful ribbons. They transformed into the central concept of his artwork at that moment, symbolising friendship to him. This wonderful piece of abstract art is part of the collective exhibition 'Formes Ouvertes' at the Swedish Institute, and is on display until 19 July.

The realisation of the wonderful world of abstraction is a fascinating journey that is both transformative and enlightening. In this engaging experience, Dahlgren invites the public to join him in an exciting collaborative effort to realise the intricate piece by groups of people over a thoughtfully designed series of three immersive days. These sessions are aimed at bringing the piece to life in a truly unique manner. Participants will have the rare  opportunity to get hands-on experience by not only measuring but also cutting several vibrant colours of ribbons, each representing a unique aspect of creativity and collaboration. These ribbons will then artistically tied into the sophisticated and intricate aluminium-metal support structure that forms the backbone of the installation. Dahlgren envisions creating a unique piece of art that not only brings people together but also connects individuals through shared creativity, fostering teamwork and collaboration. This endeavor aims to build community spirit while constructing the installation in a harmonious and joyous atmosphere filled with laughter, conversation, and the sheer joy of creation. As each participant contributes their own touch to the piece, the artwork takes on a life of its own, reflecting the personal stories and connections of everyone involved.

In his thought-provoking installation, artist Jacob Dahlgren invites visitors to walk through a complex arrangement of ribbons. This creates a profoundly visceral experience, connecting each person with the work itself in a way that transcends ordinary encounters with art. Stepping inside the hanging ribbons, it is easy to lose one’s sense of direction amidst the vibrant colours and dynamic shapes, which disorientate spatial awareness in an enchanting and bewildering way. It is not merely a visual experience, however; it engages all the senses, provoking introspection and reflection on the nature of art and perception. The mesmerising interplay of light and colour encourages visitors to contemplate not only what they see, but also how they feel in relation to their surroundings, transforming the experience into a multidimensional exploration of the essence of creativity.