Swedish Exhibition Highlights Life of 18th-Century Black Diarist Gustav Badin
A landmark exhibition at the National Museum in Stockholm, titled 'Badin – Beyond Surface and Mask,' explores the life of Gustav Badin, an 18th-century Black diarist and former enslaved person who became a prominent figure in the Swedish royal court. Born in St Croix between 1747 and 1750, Badin was gifted to Queen Louisa Ulrika in 1760 and later served as a chamberlain, court secretary, and civil servant. Despite his significant role and extensive writings, including diaries and an autobiography, Badin has been historically overlooked or misrepresented in Swedish culture, often appearing as a caricature in works like August Strindberg’s plays. The exhibition aims to rectify this by displaying his writings together for the first time and featuring a new film, 'Maroonen,' by artist Salad Hilowle. The film uses Badin’s own words and opera to give voice to his experiences, challenging previous narratives that focused solely on his image. This initiative seeks to provide a deeper understanding of Badin’s legacy and the broader history of people of African origin in Sweden during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Swedish Exhibition Highlights Life of 18th-Century Black Diarist Gustav Badin
A landmark exhibition at the National Museum in Stockholm, titled 'Badin – Beyond Surface and Mask,' explores the life of Gustav Badin, an 18th-century Black diarist and former enslaved person who became a prominent figure in the Swedish royal court. Born in St Croix between 1747 and 1750, Badin was gifted to Queen Louisa Ulrika in 1760 and later served as a chamberlain, court secretary, and civil servant. Despite his significant role and extensive writings, including diaries and an autobiography, Badin has been historically overlooked or misrepresented in Swedish culture, often appearing as a caricature in works like August Strindberg’s plays. The exhibition aims to rectify this by displaying his writings together for the first time and featuring a new film, 'Maroonen,' by artist Salad Hilowle. The film uses Badin’s own words and opera to give voice to his experiences, challenging previous narratives that focused solely on his image. This initiative seeks to provide a deeper understanding of Badin’s legacy and the broader history of people of African origin in Sweden during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Guardian