Swedish Artists Bring Tiny Worlds to Life Amid Growing Popularity
LUND, Sweden — After nearly a decade of operating in secrecy, the Swedish street art duo known as “Anonymouse,” often referred to as “Banksy Mouse,” has finally revealed their identities and showcased their work in a museum.
The journey began in 2016 when miniature structures, resembling tiny homes and businesses, started appearing in southern Sweden. Among these whimsical creations was a small restaurant named “Il Topolino” and a nut delicatessen called “Noix de Vie.” Each piece was signed by the anonymous artist collective, sparking curiosity and intrigue about its creators.
Over the years, these charming mouse-sized installations gained international attention, popping up from the U.K. to Canada. Their first display on Bergsgatan in Malmö quickly turned into a sensation, even catching the eye of major media outlets, including a feature on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”
Earlier this year, the duo, comprising Elin Westerholm and Lupus Nensén, stepped out of anonymity. Both artists work in the entertainment industry, crafting props and sets for film and television.
Westerholm expressed the joy behind their creations, emphasizing that they aim to construct a world that resonates with childhood wonder and fairy tales: “Most of us have some kind of relationship to a world where mice live parallel to ours.”
Recently, a selection of their creations was on display at the Skissernas Museum in Lund, celebrating nearly ten years of creativity and imaginative craftsmanship.
A Spark of Inspiration
The concept of “Anonymouse” first emerged when the two artists visited Paris in 2016. Inspired by the artistic ambiance of Montmartre, they dedicated six months to their first project before secretly installing it one night on Bergsgatan.
“We’ve loved seeing people of all ages, even the elderly, interact with our work,” Nensén noted. “It truly brings out the child in everyone.”
From a miniature pharmacy in Lund to a pastry shop near Stockholm and even a castle on the Isle of Man, the duo has crafted between two and three projects each year. One standout project is “Ricotta Records,” a tiny record store featuring playful puns on classic album titles.
Westerholm mentioned how serious their playful approach has been, underlining, “Part of the fun is taking something that’s a bit silly and really diving into it.”
Hidden Adventures
The museum exhibit includes six miniature worlds, showcasing previously hidden installations around Sweden, along with sketches and preparatory works. The exhibit invites visitors to embark on an adventure, discovering these delightful surprises in unexpected places.
Curator Emil Nilsson explained, “I hope visitors leave with a sense of adventure as they search for these hidden miniature worlds.”
After announcing their identities, Westerholm and Nensén declared the conclusion of their street art endeavors. “It’s been nine years; I think it’s time to wrap it up,” Westerholm stated, though she hinted at the possibility of future projects: “We never know, we can’t promise anything.”
As Anonymouse steps back, the legacy of creativity and joy they’ve fostered will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of many.
