Åsa Norberg and Jennie Sundén’s artwork ALMA MATER reflects on the past, the present and the future. Installed at the National Archives of Sweden in Stockholm, the artwork relates to issues that affect the National Archives of Sweden and Sweden’s many other archives.
ALMA MATER consists of three parts: a ceiling lamp in the entrance of the National Archives of Sweden, objects hanging in the window facing an inner courtyard and an illuminated sculpture in the inner courtyard.
The ceiling lamp sheds light on our history, highlights the importance of “enlightenment”, research and knowledge and demonstrates the value of transparency, which is enshrined in the Principle of Public Access to Official Records. For the artwork suspended in the window facing the inner courtyard, the artists have drawn inspiration from music, dance choreography, movement, telegraphy and code. The form of the sculpture in the inner courtyard is similar to a magazine holder, the larger scale of which creates a room or an arbour. Perforated holes in the sculpture give a sense of transparency and are reminiscent of a loom and a computer’s punch card.
Åsa Norberg and Jennie Sundén regard the archive as a type of mother, a place that represents continuity to which one can always return, and a vessel for memories and collected knowledge. The artworks feature forms and symbols that variously refer to stories or people found in Sweden’s various archives and to the women’s struggle, life, work and achievements.
