Pernilla Eskilsson, Sweden

Pernilla Eskilsson, born in 1972, is a versatile Swedish artist who works primarily in performance and sculpture, engaging with themes of existence, community, and the human condition. With a Master of Fine Arts specializing in textiles from the University of Gothenburg, Eskilsson’s artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by personal experiences and a deep exploration of mysticism, politics, and religion.

In 2018, after experiencing burnout, Eskilsson dramatically altered her artistic trajectory. She placed herself in a coffin in an abandoned shop in her hometown, with a sign at the window stating, “My doctor told me to have a rest.” This marked the beginning of her focus on performance art, leading to large-scale projects such as old tent ceremonies with candles in parks and funeral processions with a horse, as well as more intimate installations.

Eskilsson’s work often blurs the lines between art and everyday life. She has performed as a hermit in public spaces, wearing a self-made hermit’s robe, and has conducted thought-provoking acts like walking blindfolded in crowded cities with a sign saying, “Can I hold your hand for a while, please?” She also participated in the opening of GIBCA Extended, a biennale in Gothenburg.

Her art delves into concepts such as silence, being, rest, death, and sacrifice, influenced by her background in theater and studies at Gerlesborgsskolan in Bohuslän and Högskolan för Design och Konst in Gothenburg. Balancing motherhood with her career, Eskilsson emphasizes the importance of artistic expression over commercial success, advocating for the freedom to create both successful and unsuccessful works.

Eskilsson has worked locally in small cities around Gothenburg and has been invited to residencies and performance festivals in Sweden and abroad. Her practice involves creating both large and small visual pieces, sometimes incorporating herself and other times using puppets as actors. Despite the challenges, she remains dedicated to her art, underscoring the value of perseverance in the artistic journey.