ELLINOR ÅSLUND
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The Mechanical Theatre
2025. Public artwork. Three stages in metall, wood, ceramic, fabric, with sound tracks (ca 10 min each)
https://statenskonstrad.se/konst/den-mekaniska-teatern/
Article in Sydsvenskan: https://www.sydsvenskan.se/lund/vem-ar-den-fangslade-dockan-i-lund/
Puppet theatres and marionettes shed light on human's relationship to herself and society in The Mechanical Theatre, which can be experienced in Lund for a limited period of time. The work is part of the collaboration between Akademiska Hus and the Swedish National Art Council, where art takes place on campuses around the country.
Three angels, a crow and a thief play the main roles in this puppet theatre, which explores the concept of enlightenment. Through songs written and performed by Ellinor Åslund, they weave together fables, historical events and everyday details into an existential exploration of the forces that drive human kind and the roles she plays in society. The work examines the concept of enlightenment - both as an educational and democratizing opportunity but historically also as part of a mechanization and rationalization of man and society where the more elusive and irrational are difficult to place into a streamlined and rational society. It therefore risks being forgotten and relegated to the shadows of society.
Through the theatre, Ellinor Åslund turns the spotlight on these questions, on three separate stages. A first stage can be experienced near LTH, with lights and a soundtrack that explores the theme of human as a puppet. A second stage is presented with a richly ornamented, baroque ceramic puppet theatre stage near the Biomedical Centre, and with a soundtrack that explores the idea of society as a mechanical theatre. A third stage, which finally revolves around human's possibilities for action in society, is played out with a third soundtrack from a caged puppet of human size at LUX.
As part of the artwork, The Mechanical Theatre will also be performed live, on site, a couple of times during the exhibition period through singing and performance by Ellinor Åslund. The work is part of the project "Upplyst" which aims to implement an initiative on temporary art with a focus on artistic light design during the winter of 2025 to spring of 2026 to explore how art can contribute to strengthening an interconnected and dynamic campus with a focus on meaning creation, knowledge, dialogue and immersion.