Ernst Billgren

"Holkhemmet" - 27 artists and a nesting box.

An exhibition at Riche, Stockholm created by Tom Böttiger and Caroline Lilliehöök.

From the website Riche.se:

"In the borderland between a great passion for contemporary art and a genuine interest in craftsmanship and carpentry, the idea of "Holkhemmet" was born.

It all began with us renovating and sprucing up some old nesting boxes in the countryside, while at the same time designing new ones and building one from scratch.
-"What if we were to build a large number of birdhouses and then let some of Sweden's most renowned artists do whatever they want with each nesting box"?
-"What a fun idea. But where should we exhibit them"?
-"We need to find a really exciting place where many people gather. We shouldn't do it in a gallery, that's too traditional and boring".
-"Let's call Calle Carboni, who is responsible for the art at the restaurants within Svenska Brasserier. He might have some good ideas".
Calle was immediately enthusiastic.
-"You have three months at Riche at your disposal".
Thus, a very successful move.

Time to call the artists and ask if they want to participate. The list became quite long. 27 names of artists whom we admire and have great respect for. A delightful mix of painters, sculptors, and photographers, many of whom are also represented in our collections. The first to contact was Ernst Billgren. He said yes before we even presented the whole idea. And so it continued.
Everyone we asked responded with a resounding; -"Yes, count me in!"

Time to start carpentry. A sketch with measurements lays the foundation for the work, planed knot-free and well-dried Swedish pine is ordered in two widths (a total of 70 meters), different dimensions of stainless steel screws are tested and selected (300 pcs), the tool shed is supplemented with extra equipment, packaging is ordered, and a nice branding iron with our names. It is important that it is clear that the nesting boxes are self-made and not mass-produced. Templates are constructed for cutting the different parts, and a large construction fan heats up the carpentry shed to a somewhat comfortable working temperature in the December cold.

An incredibly fun carpentry work begins and the nesting boxes are manufactured
for about three weeks according to the assembly line principle.
Then they are delivered to all the artists and we slowly let go.
The nesting boxes are handed over with the clear motto; -"Do whatever you want".

Welcome to explore 27 interpretations by Sweden's most prominent artists. All have had the same conditions and started from the same nesting box. Each object is unique and signed, and all are presented anonymously. The intention of this is for those interested in a nesting box to choose with their heart and not with anything else."

Tom Böttiger and Caroline Lilliehöök