This catalogue has over 40 images from the solo exhibtion at Uppsala Cathedral, with texts by:
Sean Henry - The artist in discussion with Sarah MacIssac Lindgren
Kristin Windolf - An introduction to the exhibition by Canon Uppsala Cathedral
Charlotte Ingerholt - Cathedral Teacher, on the history of Uppsala Cathedral
Sarah MacIssac Lindgren - Gallerist and curator, GSA Gallery (see above)
Stefan Andersson - An introduction to the exhibition by GSA Gallery director (see below)
"The collaboration between Sean Henry and GSA Gallery has continued since 2006, when he participated in Umedalen Sculpture Park with the work Trajan’s Shadow, which was subsequently acquired for the permanent collection. Since then, we have produced four major gallery exhibitions and seen several of his sculptures permanently installed in public spaces and private collections across Sweden and Norway.
Ever since I saw his exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral in 2011, I have nurtured the hope of one day mounting a similar exhibition in Sweden. The site that has always come to mind is, of course, Uppsala Cathedral - partly due to family connections, as my daughter works there, and partly through previous discussions and collaborations over the years. After 45 years of an uninterrupted exhibition program at my own gallery, GSA Gallery, I finally had the opportunity to devote myself fully to this project after closing the gallery last summer.
The exhibition at Uppsala Cathedral is a dream project. It is thrilling to gain access to such a unique and sacred space, to explore a new context, and to embrace a positive challenge. Working with Kristin Windolf and the entire cathedral team has been both rewarding and effortless; I often liken such collaborations to a dance. Having the opportunity to draw on my daughter’s professional expertise and involve her in the project, as well as to continue working with my longtime colleagues Sarah MacIsaac Lindgren and Örjan Furberg, has been an immense privilege. Josef Ingerholt and Petter Karlsson handled the heavy lifting and installation, while Jens Persson and Anders Simonsson provided invaluable assistance - my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
In the later stages of planning, Sean’s latest sculpture, Homer, was completed. For me, it embodies the very essence of the entire project Who Am I. A man who has fought battles, who has been wounded, who has had his fair share of joy and pain. Yet he stands strong as a wanderer who, after a long journey, has arrived as a visitor to this holy site.
When I first saw the sculpture, I was immediately reminded of Kris Kristofferson’s song The Pilgrim - Chapter 33 from the album The Silver Tongued Devil and I, which I bought at the age of 23.
“He's a poet, he's a picker
He's a prophet, he's a pusher
He's a pilgrim and a preacher
And a problem when he's stoned
He's a walkin' contradiction
Partly truth and partly fiction
Takin' every wrong direction
On his lonely way back home”
I hope that he finds his way home, and I hope that he finds out who he is.
Perhaps he is me.
Stefan Andersson