The artwork's starting point is the historical concept of 'stapelstad', which refers to the right to import, export, and store goods, according to official sources. It tells a story about the area's history through material, form, and color. Stapelstad is mainly built in wood, but each cabin has its own expression depending on which commodity it represents.
For example, burnt wood is used for the coffee cabin, sheet metal for the steel cabin, and slats for the timber cabin, with the materials helping strengthen the connection between form and content. According to Gävle kommun (official), Ulf described that in the past, exotic goods like sugar, tropical fruits, and coffee beans arrived, which Gävle then made its own through industries such as coffee and confectionery. He aimed to create a playful monument that tells about the city's rich history as a portal to the world.
I hope it arouses curiosity and that people want to go close and look. At the same time, there is a clear idea at the bottom, so that you can also read the city's history into the work.
The plan is for the artwork to go into production in the fall, then be installed and stand in place sometime after the summer of 2027. According to Gävle kommun (official), Ulf described that the idea was developed during the sketch phase, and now in the spring, the entire artwork is being drawn through to make it buildable in the best way. Public reception has been positive, with many appreciating the connection to Gävle's history and the artwork's playful yet clear idea.
According to Gävle kommun (official), Ulf described that it seems to be a project that many can relate to. Specific details such as the exact commodities for all six cabins, the installation location, the artist's full name and background, the total budget, and maintenance plans remain undisclosed.
There is something exciting in that in the past, exotic goods like sugar, tropical fruits, and coffee beans came in, which Gävle then made its own—for example through coffee and confectionery. Gävle was a portal out into the world, and I wanted to create a playful monument that tells about the city's rich history.
It has been many positive reactions. Several have appreciated the connection to Gävle's history and that the artwork is both playful and clear in its idea. It seems to be a project that many can relate to.
The idea was developed already during the sketch phase and now in the spring, I am drawing through the entire artwork so that it becomes buildable in the best way.