Isn’t it remarkable how often we overlook the art that surrounds us? The Marmorlyran Sculpture is a prime example. It stands near the City Library. Many people pass it daily without truly seeing it.
This sculpture by Staffan Nihlén was unveiled in 2007. The Marmorlyran Sculpture serves as a memorial to the Malmö poet Hjalmar Gullberg. Nihlén began with a 33-ton block of marble. From this, he sculpted the artwork. The final sculpture weighs eight tons.
The Marmorlyran Sculpture features five Greek pillars. These pillars allude to Gullberg’s famous poem “Vid Kap Sunion”. This poem is from his collection “Kärlek i tjugonde seklet”. The poem speaks of the sea youth and Venus. It also speaks of Sappho’s grave.
The poem continues. It mentions a lyre shimmering against the archipelago. It evokes the ruins of Poseidon’s temple. The sun-drenched pillars play an eternal sea melody.
Nihlén initially included a portrait of Gullberg on the base’s back. The Marmorlyran Sculpture might seem a bit hidden. Yet, it invites us to rediscover public art. Like familiar paintings at home, we can become blind to the art around us.
The poem “Vid Kap Sunion” asks us to listen to the marble lyre’s music. It reminds us that the world is full of ruins. Yet, nothing compares to its beauty. The poem hopes that our creations stand like a lyre. It should face time. This should happen even after we and our gods are gone.
So take a moment. Look at the Marmorlyran Sculpture. Reflect on Gullberg’s words. Consider the artistry of Staffan Nihlén. Let this artwork remind you of the beauty that surrounds us. It might be easily missed. But it enriches our lives.