When the Capital of Culture initiative was being planned with the theme Between the Lines, Fredrik knew exactly what project he would undertake.
It was during one of my train journeys to Uppsala that I got the idea to build a large wall in the middle of a field and fill it with mural paintings. I wanted to create something that people would really appreciate and could view from the train, says Fredrik.
The 23-meter-long and 3-meter-high wall is located along the train tracks between Uppsala and Knivsta. The mural on the wall is created by urban artists KAOS from Stockholm, John Beier from Sundsvall, and Emanuel Dekis from Uppsala. Wildstyle works extensively with this large-format art (mural art).
Urban art falls between the lines
Urban art has long been a subject of debate, a blend of street art and graffiti, with mural painting as an example.
We try not to use the term graffiti, as soon as you say it, the majority immediately have a negative attitude. Instead, we want to use an expression that can be understood in a broader and positive context, urban art is much more than tags and general vandalism.
The project’s connection to Between the Lines is more than just the art wall’s location. Urban art today finds itself between the lines, in a gray area of being a legitimate art form to being labeled as vandalism.
The choice of artists and the theme depicted aims to show that the art form is multifaceted and evolved compared to how it has been perceived in the past. It should also inspire other businesses and individuals to really see the art form for what it is, without preconceived notions.
Public art unites
The Capital of Culture year aims to allow culture to take a prominent place with the goal of creating long-term effects, something Fredrik believes public art contributes to. He thinks, among other things, that mural art should be integrated early in the planning stage for a new area, especially as Uppsala grows as a city.
Mural art not only gives rise to conversations, which brings people together. It is a legitimate alternative to beautifying a place and creating general well-being in an area.
Urban art is not just for the street
Fredrik has always been interested in urban art and opened the Wildstyle gallery in Uppsala in 2022 to work with it full-time. The gallery is designed to look like a home to show that the art form not only belongs on the street but also looks great in your living room.
It’s a new era for the art form, and we want to show that with this gallery and our operations.
Read more about the Gallery and its activities at wildstyle.se
