The Allure of the Agrarian: A Resurgence in Cultural Narratives
A notable shift has emerged within the Swedish cultural landscape, as a growing number of artists and writers turn their attention towards the realm of agriculture. This renewed interest is not a fleeting trend, but rather a reflection of the enduring significance of the land, its connection to our sustenance, and the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world. Musician Amanda Bergman, for instance, chose a riding stable as the setting for a recent interview, a location that mirrors her daily life running a farm in Dalarna. This grounding in agricultural practice, she explains, fosters a valuable sense of slowness and long-term perspective that she seeks to infuse into her music. Bergman’s story exemplifies a broader movement, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between creative expression and the agricultural world.
Author Sven Olov Karlsson, whose recent novel "Bygdedjuret" (The Country Beast) explores themes of returning to nature and rural life, offers a compelling perspective on this resurgence. Karlsson, who maintains his own family farm alongside his writing career, emphasizes the continuous presence of agriculture in literature, even when it isn’t at the forefront of public consciousness. He suggests that the success of works like his own serves as a reminder of the origins of our food and resources, bringing a often-overlooked industry into the spotlight. For Karlsson, writing provides a means of immersing himself in the rural environment, even while physically situated in the city, an experience that likely resonates with many readers who seek a similar connection.
This re-emergence of agricultural themes within cultural narratives builds upon a rich literary history. From the turn of the 20th century, when half of Sweden’s population worked in agriculture, to the mid-1900s, when working-class authors chronicled the nation’s transition to industrialization, the land and its workers have been central to Swedish storytelling. Authors like Ivar Lo-Johansson, Jan Fridegård, Moa Martinson, and Eyvind Johnson captured the social and economic shifts of their time, giving voice to the experiences of those whose lives were intimately tied to the land.
Today, the agricultural landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. The prevalence of small farms has diminished, replaced by large-scale industrial operations. Climate change poses new challenges, and the dwindling number of farmers raises concerns about the loss of traditional knowledge. These changes, according to Karlsson, provide fertile ground for literary exploration. The farmer, facing the constant struggle against economic and environmental pressures, becomes a compelling character whose struggles resonate with a broader audience. In "Bygdedjuret," the family’s fight to preserve their small farm mirrors the challenges facing many in the face of modernization.
Sanna Samuelsson’s debut novel "Mjölkat" (Milked) further illuminates the complexities of the agricultural world, focusing on a young woman’s return to her childhood dairy farm. The farm, Samuelsson explains, functions as a microcosm where the farmer holds both absolute power and none, subject to the unpredictable forces of nature and the needs of the animals. The farm becomes a space for exploring themes of liberation and the juxtaposition of idyllic beauty with the ever-present reality of death. Like Karlsson, Samuelsson draws upon her own upbringing on a farm, adding a layer of authenticity to her portrayal.
This personal connection to the land is a recurring theme among contributors to the recent "Ord, jord, djur" (Words, Earth, Animals) issue of Kritiker magazine. Edited by Samuelsson, the issue features Nordic literature exploring agricultural themes, with many authors having familial ties to farms. The question of inheritance, the passing down of knowledge, and the structural changes impacting the agricultural industry are central to these narratives. Artist Åsa Elzén’s exhibition "Träda. Fogelstadgruppen och jord" (Fallow. The Fogelstad Group and Soil) similarly explores the historical practice of allowing farmland to lie fallow, highlighting its forgotten significance in sustainable agriculture and its potential relevance in our current climate crisis.
Inspired by the writings of the Fogelstad group, a women’s collective that advocated for ecological principles in agriculture, Elzén emphasizes the interconnectedness of peace and care for the earth. This resonates with a growing awareness among artists of the urgency of addressing climate change, with themes of agriculture naturally coming to the forefront. As cultural narratives grapple with the realities of modern agriculture, there is a risk of romanticizing the past. Samuelsson cautions against a nostalgic view that overlooks the complex challenges faced by farmers today. She advocates for more literature that confronts the realities of industrial agriculture, recognizing the crucial role of food production in addressing the climate crisis. This blending of personal experience, historical context, and contemporary challenges creates a vibrant space for cultural exploration, reminding us of the enduring connection between humanity and the land that sustains us.
