Sean Henry's Portrait Sculptures Come Alive in Uppsala Cathedral

Uppsala Cathedral is currently hosting an exhibition of British sculptor Sean Henry's portrait sculptures, an installation that imbues the historic sacred space with a contemporary resonance. The exhibition, titled "Who am I?", features sixteen of Henry's figures, strategically placed throughout and around the cathedral, creating a dialogue between the art and its surroundings.

Henry's skillfully modeled figures often appear introspective, and the solemn, grand atmosphere of Uppsala Cathedral provides an ideal setting for them, arguably more so than the typical white cube of a gallery. The reviewer, Sebastian Johans, notes that the sculptures come alive in this environment, activating both the art and the space. Some figures are captured in moments of stillness, sleep, or interaction, while others stand as silent observers.

Particularly striking is the placement of "Sleeper," a sculpture of a white-haired woman holding a small soldier, situated in the burial chapel housing the relics of Erik the Holy. This work creates a compelling parallel narrative to the existing wall tapestry depicting the saintly king. Other smaller figures, subtly placed on corbel stones of the vault-supporting pillars, add further layers of meaning. One such figure, a sculpture of a homeless man named John, placed near an antisemitic "Jew's sow" carving, draws a thread of vulnerability that spans centuries.

Uppsala Cathedral has a history of successfully integrating contemporary art into its premises, and Henry's exhibition continues this tradition. The vast space can accommodate and even enhance various artworks, fostering a mutual activation between the pieces and the building. While Johans finds the exhibition thought-provoking and enjoyable, he expresses some hesitation upon seeing the price list, which ranges from several hundred thousand to 1.5 million kronor. Despite this, he suggests the cathedral might consider acquiring a piece to permanently join other contemporary works that have become integral to its interior, effectively linking the historic building to the present.