Carl Abrahamsson

New York, New York!

November 4, 2013

Why is New York such an inspiring place for creative individuals? One could argue that there’s a traditionally will driven atmosphere around, based on entrepreneurship and esteem of achievement. Also, that success is not looked down upon. Sure, these could be seen as American traits in general. But there’s definitely something else buzzing in New York that makes the place very special compared to other grand hubs, and to America in general. I believe one contributing factor is the concept of conducive anonymity. Meaning that people in New York are genuinely interested in what you do but only to the extent that it won’t disturb their own creative goings on. In New York, time is tight and no one wants to waste it on overindulgence in other people’s monomania. Genuine kudos for others, yes, but not to an extent that will hamper your own schedule. When a mutual display has been taken care of, inspirational or not, it’s back to one’s own business. This...

Precious, precious prurience!

October 22, 2013

As the development of pulp paper, printing technology and literacy progressed at the turn of the 19-20th century, it very soon became obvious what people wanted to read about: sex & violence. And preferably sex & violence that made “the others” suffer (specifically as in other immigrant groups in the rapidly growing American cities). There was also a thriving underdog cult around that actively idolized criminals – especially if they managed to stay free for long and thereby made fun of the police. Many things were pooled together – the crime cult, prurient interest and/or ditto ill will, the will to make a fast buck in a new medium etc – and suddenly the True Crime phenomenon was born. In a recent tome from mighty Taschen called True Crime: Detective Magazines 1924-1969, we can literally dive into a lurid world of tough men, femme fatales and devious plans to overthrow everything that’s good and decent. Whether based in real crime cases or feverishly creative...

Edda: Intellectual Party Swedes

October 13, 2013

There is a new term for young Swedes working in Norway: “Party Swedes”. It basically means that you’re young, Swedish, work hard in Norway and spend all the money on partying. After Edda HQ went to Oslo this past weekend, there is now an extension of this: “Intellectual Party Swedes”. It means that you come to Oslo to work hard with cultural events and then spend all the money on books. La vida loca! The first event to re-establish the intellectual viking trail this time around was the opening of Edda’s own Fredrik Söderberg’s exhibition at Galleri Riis. Jag är den som begraver gudar i guld och ädelstenar (I am he who buries gods in gold and jewels) is a phenomenal exhibition. So phenomenal in fact that Edda at the same time released a book called Haus C G Jung together with Galleri Riis to celebrate it. More info about this book can be found at Edda’s web site. The exhibition is a magical trip through the psyche of Carl Jung, complete...

The Hafler Trio Workshop

October 9, 2013

The recently released book ” ”””” ” (being an exposition and elucidation of an eternal work by The Hafler Trio) is part of an overall strategy that is mainly concerned with a workshop situation/time/space. Please check out this video interview with The Hafler Trio’s Andrew McKenzie, in which he tells you more about the background, the concept and how it’s done. Highly interesting and magical stuff! Further down you can also read an explanatory text that, together with the book, will give you a bit more to chew on. We strongly recommend participating in one of these workshops and/or help set one up. Those who have so far have been mightily impressed! The book can be ordered straight from its publisher TRAPART. The Hafler Trio & Simply Superior Present ” ‘‘‘‘‘‘‘ ” (Strategies and Techniques of the Creative Act Workshop / Performance) As life in the modern world quickens, shallows, intensifies in quantity and not quality, having the...