Den som sover – New Exhibition Takes Place in Pajala 

Dreams, darkness and the Tornedalen are in focus when the Public Art Agency  Sweden and Kin Museum of Contemporary Art present Den som sover (The Sleeper) at Pajala Library between 20 January and 12 February 2026. The exhibition invites you to both art experiences and a knitting workshop.

The exhibition Den som sover (The Sleeper) will be on shown at Pajala Library between January 20 and February 12 and is a collaboration between the Public Art Agency, Kin Museum of Contemporary Art in Kiruna and the Korpilombolo Night Festival. The project is based on the story of Nils Holgersson but also highlights the Tornedalen, darkness, language and dreams through four contemporary artists. The audience will encounter video works by Karin Keisu and Josse Thuresson, who reverse the perspectives in the Nils Holgersson story and give voice to the otherwise invisible trolls, embroideries by Anila Rubiku created together with Korpilombolo residents, Lena Ylipää’s exploration of Meänkieli, and Agneta Andersson’s presentation of Terese Torgrim’s inherited mitten collection.

Opening programme at Pajala Library, 20 January 2026

4.00 pm Opening of the exhibition
Artist Lena Ylipää will be present and will talk about the work Språket – Skammen – Skrattet/Kieli – Häpeä – Nauru (The Language – The Shame – The Laughter) (2024)

4.30 pm–5.15 pm Presentation by Agneta Andersson: Warmth as Language – Terese Torgrim’s Collected Mittens 

In the 1940s, Terese Torgrim, who was interested in crafts and textile culture, was commissioned by the school inspector to collect local patterns from Jukkasjärvi and Vivungi to be used in handicraft teaching. Thanks to this, the mitten collection is rich and full of different patterns and colours, each of which tells a special story. In connection with the exhibition Den som sover (The Sleeper) at Pajala Library, Agneta Andersson will talk about how she acquired the collection, which she was given care of in the 1970s, and what journey it has taken so far and what is planned for the future.

5.30 pm–7.30 pm Design your own mitten: Workshop with Kajsa Vuorela, Tornedalsfrun

Welcome to Pajala Library on Tuesday 20 January for a creative workshop on creating your own mitten pattern! Kajsa Vuorela will lead the workshop and share tips and inspiration, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter. Feel free to bring your own yarn and knitting needles – some equipment is also available on site. Recommended yarn: 2-ply wool yarn (for example Rauma fine wool or equivalent).