[Experience Report] Wrapped in Nordic Light. Feeling a 'Quiet Well-being' at the Swedish Painting Exhibition✨

The other day, I visited the Swedish painting exhibition, 'Nordic Light, the Radiance of Everyday Life'.

What kind of paintings do Swedish people create?🤔
I visited this exhibition out of that simple curiosity.

To put it simply—
I felt that having preconceived notions is such a waste—that was the kind of time I spent there.

🌲 My 'Self-Imposed Image of Sweden'

To be honest, my image was something like this:

・Abundant forests
・Lakes and clear air
・Pastoral and simple
・Somehow 'well-being'

Nordic = Nature = Quiet happiness 🌿
I had that formula in my mind unconsciously.

But, while viewing the exhibition, I realized:

'That might just be my own filter...'👀

🇫🇷 French Influence and Shifting Identity

Many paintings by artists who studied in France were also on display.

Compositions and colors influenced by Impressionism and Realism.
Honestly, there were some works where I felt, 'Wait, is this Swedish?'

While being heavily influenced by Europe, especially France,
there was an atmosphere of searching for 'their own national identity' within that.

Perhaps that struggle
was the reality of modern Swedish art.

This exhibition was held with the full cooperation of the Nationalmuseum in Sweden.

Seeing so many works gathered in one place was truly breathtaking.👏

🌅 Even so, what moved my heart was 'nature'

Amidst all that, what I strongly resonated with was—
the works depicting nature, after all.

The silence of the forest.
The light reflecting on the lake surface.
The soft sunlight that shines through after a long winter.

I felt that the unique 'light' of the Nordic region
is connected in some way to an inner sense of calm.

🌿 Living in harmony with nature
🏡 Peaceful moments in daily life
☕ The preciousness of ordinary living

That might just be the origin of what we call 'well-being'.

🪞 Time to notice your own filters

While viewing the exhibition, I also thought about this.

If I only take photos of the works I 'could resonate with' and introduce only those parts—

it becomes not 'Sweden',
but 'the Sweden I want to see'.

🧠 People unconsciously interpret the world through their own values.

That is precisely why, if you are interested, I hope you will experience it with your own eyes.

You will surely find a 'Nordic light' different from mine.

🐎 Welcoming a horse that brings happiness

And, here is my souvenir from this time.

I bought an embroidered brooch of a
Dala horse, which is said to be a 'horse that brings happiness.'✨

Dala horse

A red wooden horse with hand-painted decorations.
It is simple, yet somehow proud.

When I wondered, 'What is the Swedish identity?'

・Respect for nature
・An attitude of cherishing daily life
・The strength to nurture one's own culture while accepting outside influences

Perhaps it is that kind of 'quiet strength.'

✨ Conclusion

The Swedish painting exhibition 'Nordic Light, the Radiance of Daily Life' was

a time to think about
🌲 Nature
🎨 Identity
🕊 Well-being

through the paintings.

Not judging the world by preconceived notions, but facing it with fresh eyes for once. That in itself might be a little bit of mental training.

Where will I encounter the light of the next country?🌍✨

✍️ Series Title: [Experience Report]
📌 If you found this article interesting, I would be happy if you could 'like' or follow me! If you have time, please read my magazine and leave a comment!

'*Includes Amazon Associate links'
If you move to Amazon from the attached product links and purchase other daily necessities unrelated to the introduced products, it will be treated as a qualifying sale, so please enjoy your shopping♪

#SwedishPaintingExhibition
#NordicLight
#MuseumTour
#WellBeing
#ArtAppreciationReport
#DalaHorse