Artist and filmmaker John Skoog discusses his project "Värn," which encompasses an exhibition at Moderna Museet and a feature film, both reflecting on Cold War themes and modern societal anxieties.
John Skoog is in the spotlight with his project "Värn," which includes both an exhibition at Moderna Museet in Malmö and a feature film set to premiere in Swedish theaters. The central figure of the project is Karl-Göran, a unique individual from Skåne who during the Cold War constructed a shelter using concrete and scrap metal, symbolizing a profound paranoia that characterized that era. Skoog's work reflects on how current global tensions can evoke a similar sense of impending doom.
The exhibition features an unusual structure located in the old turbine hall of the museum, made from a mix of concrete, wood, and scrap metal. This monumental piece represents not just a physical construction, but also a commentary on the paranoia that characterized the Cold War. Skoog expresses that despite the passage of time, society seems to be grappling with heightened fears of downfall, echoing sentiments of the past which is often not far removed from the present circumstances we find ourselves in today.
As Skoog prepares for the release of the feature film on February 27, he conveys a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction after a 15-year journey of bringing "Värn" to fruition. The project not only showcases his artistry but also invites viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of societal fears and the relevance of cynicism in our current context, stirring discussions about the human experience in times of crisis.
