Somali-Swedish Artist Salad Hilowle to Unveil Afro-Swedish Showcase at the American Swedish Institute

Emerging Somali-Swedish artist Salad Hilowle captivates the art scene with his vibrant examination of Afro-Swedish identity and diaspora, weaving together the realms of video, sculpture, and photography. His anticipated showcase at the American Swedish Institute explores profound themes of identity and resilience. / Photo courtesy of Göteborgs Konsthall

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Salad Hilowle, an artist of Somali origin nurtured in Sweden, is poised to unveil his first U.S. solo exhibit at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis, set for 2025. The exhibit promises an in-depth dive into the layered identities of Afro-Swedish and Somali communities nestled in Sweden. Running from June 21 to October 26, the exhibit will showcase Hilowle’s signature fusion of video, photography, sculpture, and performance, delving into belonging, identity, and the enduring spirit of the Somali diaspora.

Hilowle, who spent his formative years in Gävle, Sweden, after his childhood departure from Somalia, has emerged as a leading figure in the realm of Scandinavian visual artistry, giving voice to Afro-Swedish narratives. Through his innovative creations, he illuminates stories too often ignored in the spectrum of Swedish cultural tapestry, richly resonating with Somali and broader African communities. “Hilowle’s artistry not only shines a light on Afro-Swedes but compels us to contemplate their significant experiences and contributions,” expressed ASI President and CEO Molly Steenson.

The exhibit, orchestrated by Berlin-based curator Sagal Farah, in collaboration with the Somali Museum of Minnesota, will include selections from Hilowle’s previous works, like the acclaimed video installation “Passion of Remembrance” (2020). This work skillfully intertwines archival clips with staged scenes, offering a multifaceted glimpse into the Black experience in Sweden, as Hilowle re-envisions classic Swedish cultural emblems through an Afro-Swedish viewpoint. By interlacing Somali heritage with Swedish culture, Hilowle bridges worlds, inviting spectators to engage with concepts of identity, home, and lineage.

Holder of an MFA from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm, Hilowle’s exhibitions have graced various Swedish venues such as Kulturhuset, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and Gävle Konstcentrum. His novel, “Halima om de sina” (2022), which was in the running for the Swedish Photo Book Award, delves deep into diaspora tales, adding depth to his identity explorations. Recognized through accolades like Sweden’s Rettig’s Artist Scholarship, his creations now enhance esteemed collections at The Moderna Museet and Västerås Art Museum.

Hilowle’s exhibit forms a segment of ASI’s 2025 program, spotlighting renowned Swedish artists, alongside names like Lars Tunbjörk and Ann Wolff. Yet, Hilowle’s presentation holds unique importance for Somali and Afro-Swedish circles in America, offering a culturally rich narrative of the Somali diaspora’s enduring journey. Farah points out that Hilowle’s work “offers a platform for marginalized voices, expertly melding personal narratives with universal migration and cultural memory themes.”

Through this exhibition, ASI aims to spark cross-cultural conversation, allowing Somali audiences to witness their stories reflected in Scandinavian art. For the onlookers, Hilowle’s artistry stands as a poignant testament to the nuances of identity and the persistent echoes of migration, inspiring contemplation on the myriad manifestations of belonging. 

Salad Hilowle, a Somali-Swedish visionary, journeys through themes of identity, diaspora, and belonging, woven intricately in his latest exhibition—an evocative exploration of Afro-Swedish tales.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

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