Seven figures. Seven lives. Seven stories carved in limestone. This is Efter badet. Right here in Västertorp.
Created by the sculptor Pye Engström between 1971 and 1976 this bench-like sculpture sits outside Västertorpshallen a public bath. You can sit in the laps of these powerful figures. From left to right: Elise Ottesen-Jensen Paulo Freire Sara Lidman Mao Zedong Angela Davis Georg Borgström and Pablo Neruda. Engström chose these politically engaged individuals prominent in the 1970s.
The sculpture hasn’t always been welcomed without controversy. In 2006 a local politician suggested its removal. She argued Stockholm shouldn’t celebrate Mao Zedong. A mass murderer in her opinion. She proposed monuments for victims of Soviet and Chinese communism.
The debate reignited in 2010. Another politician didn’t want removal. She proposed an informational sign. The sign should highlight Mao’s crimes against humanity. The Social Democratic Party called it a non-issue. Engström himself simply stated it was the 1970s. Mao’s inclusion reflected the era’s view. He was seen as someone who lifted China from poverty.
So here we are. Sitting on a piece of history. A stone conversation about power politics and differing perspectives. A testament to a time of change. And a reminder that art often sparks debate. What do you think? Should there be a sign? Should the sculpture remain? The answer is far from simple. The controversy continues. The figures remain. And their story remains. After the bath. The debate continues.