Saturday October 26, 2024
Somali-Swedish artist Salad Hilowle, known for his explorations of Afro-Swedish identity and diaspora, brings new perspectives to the art world through a blend of video, sculpture, and photography. His upcoming exhibition at the American Swedish Institute delves into themes of belonging and resilience. / Photo courtesy of Göteborgs Konsthall
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — Somali-born Swedish artist Salad Hilowle is set to make his U.S. solo debut in 2025 at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis, offering audiences a rare and introspective look into the layered identities of Afro-Swedish and Somali communities in Sweden. The exhibition, which runs from June 21 to October 26, will illustrate Hilowle's unique blend of video, photography, sculpture, and performance to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the Somali diaspora.
Raised in Gävle, Sweden, after leaving Somalia as a child, Hilowle has made a name for himself as one of Scandinavia's foremost visual artists exploring Afro-Swedish perspectives. Through his creative work, he draws attention to narratives often overlooked in Swedish cultural history, telling stories that resonate deeply with Somali and African communities. "Hilowle's work doesn't just add visibility to Afro-Swedes—it invites us to consider their experiences and contributions in new, profound ways," said ASI President and CEO Molly Steenson.
The exhibition, curated by Berlin-based Sagal Farah and co-hosted by the Somali Museum of Minnesota, will feature selections from Hilowle's past work, including the acclaimed video installation Passion of Remembrance (2020). This piece uniquely combines archival footage with staged scenes to offer a nuanced view of growing up Black in Sweden, where Hilowle reimagines classic Swedish cultural symbols through an Afro-Swedish lens. By weaving together Somali heritage and Swedish culture, Hilowle provides a bridge between worlds, engaging viewers with themes of home, heritage, and identity.
Hilowle holds an MFA from Stockholm's Royal Institute of Art and has exhibited across Sweden, including at Kulturhuset, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and Gävle Konstcentrum. His novel Halima om de sina (2022), nominated for the Swedish Photo Book Award, delves into diaspora experiences, adding another layer to his explorations of identity. Recognized by awards like Sweden's Rettig's Artist Scholarship, his works are now part of major collections at Moderna Museet and Västerås Art Museum.
The exhibition will be part of ASI's 2025 program, featuring renowned Swedish artists such as Lars Tunbjörk and Ann Wolff. However, Hilowle's show holds particular significance for Somali and Afro-Swedish communities in the U.S., providing a rare and culturally rich perspective on the Somali diaspora's journey. Farah notes that Hilowle's work "creates space for overlooked voices, blending personal stories with universal themes of migration and cultural memory."
With this exhibition, ASI aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue, offering a platform for Somali audiences to see their experiences reflected in Scandinavian art. For viewers, Hilowle's work will serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity and the enduring impact of migration, encouraging all to consider the many forms that belonging can take. 
Somali-Swedish artist Salad Hilowle’s work explores themes of identity, diaspora, and belonging, as seen in his latest exhibition—a compelling journey through Afro-Swedish narratives.