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Sweden

King Carl XVI Gustaf opens exhibition and drawing competition

On Thursday 22 April, the exhibition “The Thinking Hand” was opened by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. This is an annual scholarship competition for young artists.

“The Thinking Hand” is a recurring drawing competition and exhibition for young artists who work with visual design in art, architecture, fashion, design, illustration, game development or other related areas. Of the entries received, ten artists are asked to display their work. The King opened the exhibition and spoke via video to the competition. The works of this year’s nominated artists will be in a digital gallery on the Royal Palace’s website from 22 April to 22 June 2021.

In his speech, the King said: “Dear art lovers. Welcome to the digital exhibition “The Thinking Hand”. During the past year, it has become apparent that art and culture are finding new ways to reach their audiences, for example, through new technical solutions. It is a positive development, which holds many possibilities: On the one hand, it will be possible for more people to take part in various events, regardless of where they are. And on the other hand, good cultural experiences can give us strength in trying times, so that we have the strength to persevere and persevere!”

The King continued: “My grandfather, King Gustaf VI Adolf, was very interested in art and bought many works from young promising artists. Not least contributions from the exhibition Young Illustrators at the National Museum, which served as inspiration for this scholarship competition and exhibition. Thanks to a good collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts and generous support from Count Gustaf Douglas and Countess Elisabeth Douglas, we had the opportunity in 2017 to resume this fine art tradition. This year we are celebrating our fifth anniversary! I think that would have made my grandfather happy – just as it pleases me.”

His Majesty the King concluded by saying: “Incidentally, the next generation is also involved in the competition, through Prince Carl Philip who participates in the jury work. Now I hope that many of you will take the chance to see this exhibition with some of our country’s most exciting young artists. Once again, a warm welcome to the 2021 edition of the exhibition ‘The Thinking Hand!‘ “

Click here to see the exhibition.

About author

Senior Europe Correspondent Oskar Aanmoen has a master in military and political history of the Nordic countries. He has written six books on historical subjects and more than 1.500 articles for Royal Central. He has also interview both Serbian and Norwegian royals. Aanmoen is based in Oslo, Norway.