Leyla Abdullayeva
“I count myself fortunate to be enveloped in this artistic embrace, where creation isn't a lofty ideal, but a daily calling. It is no wonder that the character once beloved for its daring nature proving that girls can be as strong as anyone else was born right here, in Sweden. In an environment where you are allowed to embrace creativity, one can imagine beyond the norms imposed on them, and that is exactly what Astrid Lindgren did.”
Among the stories written by foreigners in Sweden, there's a thread often left untouched - the rich creative scene that Sweden offers. I find this inexcusable. As a person who is very much affected by the artistic environment in Skåne, I consider it a personal calling to share how life in Sweden might inspire one to create.
My journey with Sweden began in childhood, as soon as I learned to read. Adventure books stole my heart, filling the void for curiosity. Among those tales, one stood out: a red-haired girl with an appetite for mischief, capable of carrying a horse on her shoulders. Hence, it was my utmost pleasure that my dad, annoyed by my constant not-like-a-girl behavior, called me "Pippi Longstocking."
Years later, my dream of pursuing a Master's degree led me to Sweden. Little did I know that in the very land where Pippi's tales were spun, I'd embark on my own storytelling journey. Residing in a small student city, Lund, I never thought that my passion for writing and storytelling would evolve to a new level. Here, creativity flows freely, unburdened by judgment.
Every city I've visited during the past two years of living in Sweden has been infused with art. In Lund, from the Lunds Konsthall to the lovely art galleries on Lilla Fiskaregatan Street and other parts of the city, creativity graces the streets. Even the street art spontaneously found on the buildings, tells its own stories. Flaneuring the streets of Lund, I once stumbled upon a tiny mouse pharmacy by AnonyMouse. Charmed by its down-to-earth look and location, I could not help but let myself be captivated by the radiating creativity of the smallest city I have ever lived in.
In bigger cities like Malmö, Göteborg, and Stockholm, art flourishes on another level. Museums and street art stand tall, embraced by the visitors and residents. Independent galleries, nurtured by the municipalities, bravely proclaim that art is a human need, not a luxury. In Malmö, I’ve had the chance to explore the bold creations of artists who would most likely be persecuted in their countries of origin. One of the most memorable performances was “Not A Typical Persian Girl” by Atoosa Farahmand and Oscar Hagberg exhibited in the same period as the uprising against gender oppression in Iran following the killing of Mahsa Amini. Here in Sweden, there is a sanctuary for artists, who create and share their experiences even if they are painfully honest, spitting on oppressive regimes.
This year, I visited Banksy's exhibit in Malmö and explored the CHART Art Fair in Copenhagen, which showcased art from all over Scandinavia. This fantastic event prompted me to take the train to the exhibition two days in a row to inhale the artistic scene of the region. Living in Skåne has its perks like having Copenhagen, a city brimming with cultural events, reachable with an hour ride train.
Beyond galleries, museums, and events, one finds themselves surrounded by tools and materials for creation, from modest to professional, all within reach and affordable. Hobby shops and stationery stores invite you to paint, craft, and explore new skills. On countless occasions, I've passed through fairs where folks sell their creations with genuine pride and a deep love for their craft.
I count myself fortunate to be enveloped in this artistic embrace, where creation isn't a lofty ideal, but a daily calling. It is no wonder that the character once beloved for its daring nature proving that girls can be as strong as anyone else was born right here, in Sweden. In an environment where you are allowed to embrace creativity, one can imagine beyond the norms imposed on them, and that is exactly what Astrid Lindgren did.
Art, once a distant experience for me, now breathes in every corner of every city I visit in Sweden. And when galleries and fairs fade, I make my own art from moments woven into daily life on random streets. In these moments, I reach for my camera and capture snapshots to share on my Instagram account called Leyla’s Notes. This is my own quiet contribution to Sweden's vibrant artistic scene.
/ Leyla Abdullayeva
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