Bertil Vallien is devoted and consistent. His objects created for Kosta Boda develop over time, and he is always looking to extract more from his work. Gatekeeper is a case in point. Previous executions range from charcoal drawings to glass and metal objects. In the summer of 2021, large-format adaptations were exhibited in the famous garden of the Royal Palace “Solliden”, on Öland in Sweden, providing a magnificent spectacle for the audience. The two impressive Gatekeeper figures from the exhibition – almost 20 inches tall and fixed by thin wires – gave the impression of drifting. A trademark Vallien face rests inside these shimmering miniature Gatekeepers. This peaceful and mythical sculpture might evoke references to ancient and Egyptian burial rituals.
Gatekeeper is handmade in Kosta, Sweden, and available in a limited edition of 60 pieces.
