gallery An art
full of power
An exceptional gallery known as The Old Power Station is to be found in Deje. This fantastic building attracts artists and visitors from Sweden and all around the world. We talked to Linn Sönstebö Mossberg, Head of Operations, the driving force behind putting Deje on the map of the art world. Text: Niklas Simonsson Photo: Simone Syversson
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he art gallery G:a Kraftstationen's first exhibition, a mix of local and national artists, took place in 2013. Right from the start, there was considerable interest that has grown over the years. In its second year, Lasse Åberg’s paintings were exhibited and since then the gallery’s has gone from strength to strength, its success continuing. – The premises makes it extra special. All the established artists that agree to exhibit with us always tell us: ‘What an amazing location you have!’ We also get a lot of cred for how we put together our exhibitions. We try to put in that little something extra. The art group also receive a lot of praise for how works are hung and displayed, says Linn Sönstebö Mossberg. THE PREMISES AND the adjacent buildings offer a unique blend of preserved architecture mixed with modern art. As well as paintings and photographs, the power station exhibits jewellery and ceramics. Thanks to the size and volume of the hall, visitors are treated to an enormously wide range of exhibitions. Efva Attling, Caroline Af Ugglas, Jocke Berg 20.
Two places to visit close to Deje: Dömle Herrgård The hotel by the beach has a lot to offer. Play a game of padel outside or book a total spa experience and really add a touch of something special to your visit to Värmland. Ätterösleden Visit Ätterösarna ancient monument – two burial cairns dating from the Bronze Age. Take an exciting and historically informative journey back in time.
and Carolina Gynning are a handful of well-known names whose work has been exhibited here. Of all the exhibitions, Linn has one in particular that has stood out in particular. – Last year Glada Hudik-teatern – a Swedish theatre company – had a photographic exhibition entitled Ikoner – en utställning om att få finnas. (Icons – an exhibition about being able to exist). It was utterly magnificent and greatly appreciated. [The exhibition] was all about making people who are an integral part of our society but remain unseen, more visible in the public sphere and in art. THE POWER STATION’S Culinarum Café is also something to experience. With a strong focus on sustainability, it primarily uses local goods and produce. The focus on Värmland runs through every fibre of the business. It is clearly a winning concept as Culinarum Café is listed in the White Guide. – The Café is integral to the premises, but we don’t hang any art in there. We have local produce from Värmland but a French pastry chef! laughs Linn. LINN HAS BEEN involved since day one and is a driving force in the non-profit organisation behind The Old Power Station. Back in 2008, the drama society at the time was going to put on a play and was looking for suitable premises. When they visited the power station it was – as the wonderful saying goes – love at first sight. After a lot of hard work and copious amounts of green soap, Linn and the rest of the personnel gazed confidently ahead. Among this year’s exhibitions, siblings Jenny and Thomas Christersen are back to exhibit photographs and paintings. Oliver Skifs’ exciting mix of paintings and leather crafts will also be very interesting. In addition, there is considerable hope for the Artists in action project. – We’re focusing on sustainable visits to the gallery with the possibility of even seeing artists practicing their techniques. A glassblower is going to start working with us, for example. Theses kinds of things will undoubtedly give a deeper insight into the craft of art and will be even more of a reason to visit the Old Power Station, says Linn.
