Aurora Borealis Star Dome
Cristina Iglesias

Over the years, Cristina Iglesias has created large-scale works in materials such as bronze, steel, glass, and water that reference the history of the sites where they are installed. Recurring themes in her work include the hidden layers of the city and the presence of nature within urban environments. Iglesias’ sculpture Aurora Borealis Star Dome will be installed at a site with a remarkable history: the highest part of the Rosendal area, known as the ‘hunting star’. During the 17th and 18th centuries this was a central point in the royal hunting park, where long sightlines were cleared through the forest to improve the hunters’ chances of success.

Inspired by this site, Iglesias has created a 5-metre-high dome-shaped structure composed of branch-like forms cast in aluminium that appear to grow out of the bedrock. At the top of the sculpture, a lantern of coloured glass captures and filters daylight, inspired by the Northern Lights. Iglesias describes the work as: “A sanctuary – a place for contemplation and reflection – an invitation to connect with the cosmos.” Visitors are invited to enter the sculpture, sit or lie beneath the dome, and experience how the light changes over time while observing the surrounding landscape.

Britta Byström has composed the music piece Tempel im Gehör for Cristina Iglesias’ artwork. The piece is based on a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke and is performed by Adolf Fredrik’s Church’s Chamber Choir and Ludvig Nilsson, percussion, conducted by Christoffer Holgersson.

Photo: Örjan Furberg, PREKS