Two Sisters Who Drowned in Hammarby Sjö

Two Sisters Who Drowned in Hammarby Sjö

Inspired by a tragic love story, the Systrarna sculpture stands as a symbol for the struggles faced by same-sex couples.

The Systrarna sculpture is a classic piece of Swedish art, carved from Ekeberg marble by Nils Sjögren. It depicts two young women in classical poses, their backs to each other. Originally intended to represent Venus, the goddess of love, the artist was inspired by a tragic event in 1911 - the double suicide of two young women in Hammarby Sjö. The Systrarna sculpture was finally unveiled in 1945 and has become a poignant symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a reminder of the struggles faced by same-sex couples in the past. Over the years, the statue has been the site of various installations highlighting its significance as a symbol of resilience and remembrance. Artist Jorun Kugelberg wrapped the figures in cloth bandages in 2007, only to symbolically liberate them, an act echoing the women's struggle for freedom.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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