Pendulum of Memories

Travelling and seeing things anew were essential to the writing of one of the most beloved and translated Swedish poets of modern times, Tomas Tranströmer. Before receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2011, he had already been translated into around 60 languages and had travelled the world to meet his audience in person. Alongside his writing, he was an engaged and attentive psychologist, and themes concerning the human condition—including well-being and the multi-layered experiences of art, music, and nature—are often present in his work.

Tomas Tranströmer’s poetry forms the foundation for our journey to the places he cherished and considered home: an island, a spartan house, and the rich nature by the sea, which collectively create a “pendulum of memories.” The soundscape is part of the audiovisual exhibition "The Pendulum of Memories," which invites visitors to experience the poetics of landscape, memory, and text, encouraging their own reflections on these elements. The exhibition is transformable and designed as a multi-layered journey, featuring moving images and film poetry that explore both mental and physical spaces, as well as conversations and encounters with the world of Tomas Tranströmer.

Included in the soundscape are fragments of our conversations with Tomas's wife, Monica Tranströmer, and his daughter, Paula Tranströmer.

The sound bench is a component of the audiovisual exhibition "Pendulum of Memories," which will be open to visitors, including special screenings and workshops, during the period of October to November 2024.

Experience more audiovisual content related to "Pendulum of Memories" in the gallery section at the main library in Skurup!

Description of the Soundscape:

Poems and texts by Tomas Tranströmer:

In the soundscape presented, we can hear excerpts from Tranströmer’s memoir “Minnena ser mig” (1993).

“Det blå huset,” a fragment from the poem in the collection “Det vilda torget” (1983)

“Namnet” from the poetry collection “Mörkerseende” (1970)

The soundscape is presented in Swedish.

Contributors to the Work:

• Tomas Tranströmer, Writer
• Monica Tranströmer, Wife of Tomas Tranströmer
• Paula Tranströmer, Daughter of Tomas Tranströmer
• Adam Leckius, Narrator / Poetic Traveller, Singer in Svanholms Singers
• Marie Thorin, Co-Producer, Editor/Photographer of "Pendulum of Memories"
• Svanholms Singers, Male Voice Choir
• Sofia Söderberg, Conductor of Svanholms Singers
• Gabriella Ceom, Voice/Framing the Journey
• Jonas Jönsson, Sound Technician/Sound Editor
• Babak Parham, Boom Operator
• The music “It’s So Peaceful Here Now” is recorded by Footprint Records and has been licensed for the soundscape at Ljudbänken.

Copyright Holders:

• Gabriella Ceom (Director, Producer, Arrangement)
• Mattias Hansson Webb (Music Composer of “Memories”)
• Christian Engquist (Music Composer of “It’s So Peaceful Here Now”)
• Daniel Stagno (Music Composer of "Spår," inspired by Tomas’s poetry)

The project was realised with the support of:

The Inter Arts Center at Lund University, Region Skåne, Region Värmland Filmstöd, FilmcentrumSyd, Film i Västmanland

Warmest thanks to Monica Tranströmer and all the wonderful individuals—writers, researchers, and artists—we met along the way!