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“The cross is not just a Christian symbol. It is something more: the perfect dynamic shape, a horizontal meets a vertical, which then cuts it. It creates tension, I want to bring this dynamism into the church.” Wiwen Nilsson
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“[I]t is in the pre-Christian, the Roman and Byzantine visual language that he found inspiration. This is where he found the absolute dynamism, the divine geometry, and at the same time, the incorruptible respect for the material.” Crispin Ahlström, art critic and writer
Wiwen Nilsson’s works and legacy hold significant importance in the realm of Swedish religious silver. He created over 700 religious objects; bridal crowns alone account for more than 30 pieces. His religious creations can be found in over 200 churches in Sweden and abroad.
Wiwen Nilsson’s profound interest in religion and philosophy, coupled with the revival of religious Arts and Crafts at the turn of the 20th century, inspired him to make an important body of religious work for the Church of Sweden and churches abroad. Designing for the church space allowed Wiwen Nilsson to create larger, monumental works.
Wiwen Nilsson’s religious body of work was consistent and innovative, in both form and function. His religious studies were fundamental to his creations. For example, he created a vessel for the Communion, whose design emanated from biblical studies. Driven by a desire to make the object more hygienic, and to enhance the aesthetics of the ceremony, Wiwen Nilsson lined the chalice with a wafer box on a tray, thereby allowing the wafer to be dipped in the wine and avoiding any contact between the communicant and the chalice. At the time, intinction was not a recognised method of administering the Communion in Swedish churches. After considerable debate, the Church of Sweden approved the use of his communion vessel.
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