Staffan Westerberg's Final Exhibition Opens in Åland, Featuring Partner's Art

The exhibition "Staffan & Hans," a unique display of art by Swedish artist Staffan Westerberg and his life partner Hans Persson, opened in Mariehamn, Åland, at the beginning of summer. This marks the first time Westerberg's works are exhibited alongside those of Persson, who is a professor emeritus in root ecology.

Westerberg, celebrated for his surreal characters like Storpotäten from the children's program "Vilse i pannkakan" (Lost in the Pancake), was able to attend the vernissage. However, he passed away just over a week later at the age of 92. The exhibition space has since become a memorial, with visitors sharing their memories and condolences in the guest book.

The exhibition, organized by Nordens institut på Åland (Nipå), aims to present the couple's shared life through their art. "They have had two separate artistic careers, and we want to showcase their common life through art," said Dennis Berkhuizen, communications officer at Nipå.

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They have had two separate artistic careers, and we want to showcase their common life through art.

Initially, the exhibition was planned to focus solely on Westerberg's art. However, Nipå's director and curator, Tasso Stafilidis, was so impressed by Persson's paintings upon meeting the couple that he proposed a joint exhibition. "After seeing Hans Persson's paintings, he was overwhelmed and coined the idea of a joint exhibition, which they had never had before," Berkhuizen explained. The planning for this exhibition spanned nearly two years, and organizers expressed gratitude that it was realized while Westerberg was still alive.

Visitors can experience Westerberg's artistic legacy, which holds cultural significance for the Swedish-speaking population of Åland, many of whom grew up with his work. The exhibition is part of Nipå's mission to promote Nordic culture across the Nordic countries.

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After seeing Hans Persson's paintings, he was overwhelmed and coined the idea of a joint exhibition, which they had never had before.