The Balloon Hall

The Balloon Hall is a testament to Sweden's strategic defence network of buildings aimed to protect Sweden’s northern territories. Built in 1914, the hall housed a hydrogen-filled balloon used for communication during times of geopolitical tension. The large building was an important part of the Swedish defense during the 1910s and 1920s, where it was used to store observation balloons. The building is now classified as a building monument and is locates just outside of Boden, and continues to be a historical symbol of the region.

During the closing weekend of the 2024 edition of the Luleå Biennial, the Balloon Hall acts as the venue for two separate presentations of the work Beowulf: Dangerzone - a site-specific, theatrical installation developed by Andreas R. Andersson in collaboration with Karl Sjölund. Featuring sculptures and boulders, it reimagines the Old English epic poem Beowulf, drawing parallels to the presence of the British iron ore mining company Beowulf Mining in Norrbotten and its extractive efforts in Jokkmokk.

In a time of a global dissemination of wars and the perpetuation of several modes of violence, the insertion of this contemporary epic narrative within this setting adds an important layer to the work.

– Aude Christel Mgba and Bruno Alves de Almeida
Artistic Directors, The Luleå Biennial 2024 –On the Threshold of 1:1