Dalecarlia (Dalarna) has long been regarded as the cultural heart of Sweden, shaped by independence, craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted pride. The Dalecarlian horse, originating here in Dalecarlia, began in the 17th century as a hand-carved wooden toy and later became a national symbol.
That pride has deep historical roots. The people of Dalecarlia played a decisive role in the uprising that led to the rise of Gustav Vasa and the formation of Sweden itself, a legacy of self-determination. The people of Dalecarlia have historically carried a quiet resilience and self-assured dignity. That pride is something I feel deeply connected to. It is inherited, but also consciously carried forward.
The rider wears the traditional costume from Sundborn, just outside my hometown Falun. The work is not about nostalgia, but continuity, carrying the cultural weight and pride of Dalecarlia into a contemporary context.