Racism to Be Fought with Granite Blocks and 168 Bronze Rods

After several years of discussion, Malmö Municipality, governed by the Social Democrats, has now received its “anti-racist monument.” The artwork, weighing over 30 tons and installed at Falsterboplan, has cost taxpayers about 2.8 million SEK and is meant to help combat racism that the Social Democrats say exists in our present day.

The anti-racist monument Master Narratives was inaugurated on Sunday at Falsterboplan, also known as Jesusparken.

The artwork consists of a large granite block held up by 168 bronze rods and was created by artists Susanna Marcus Jablonski and Santiago Mostyn.

Beneath the monument, thousands of letters from Malmö residents have been buried, containing personal stories and reflections on racism and anti-racism. The origin of the monument dates back to 2019, when five Malmö residents initiated a campaign to establish a memorial for the victims of racism.

The initiative arose partly in response to the convicted serial killer Peter Mangs’ racially motivated murders and attempted murders in Malmö. The aim was to create a place to honor the victims and draw attention to the racist motives behind the crimes.

Rods and Blocks – Solidarity

The proposal received support from Malmö’s political leadership and has since been developed through collaboration between Malmö Art and the Anti-Racist Monument Association. Nearly 90 artists expressed interest in the commission, which ultimately went to Susanna Marcus Jablonski and Santiago Mostyn.

The artists chose to depart from the traditional design of memorials, where a statue is often placed on an elevated pedestal. In Master Narratives, it is instead the bronze rods that support the massive stone block, something the artists describe as a symbol of solidarity.

Artists Susanna Marcus Jablonski and Santiago Mostyn at Malmö’s anti-racist monument Master Narratives. Photo: Johannes Kjellgren / Malmö municipality

S: Racism Exists in Our Time

On social media, the Social Democrats in Malmö describe it as “Sweden’s first anti-racist monument” and say it serves as a reminder of “our shared history and the importance of never stopping the fight against racism.”

“Racism is not only a part of our history. It also exists in our present. Therefore, we need to continue to stand up for the equal value of all people and for a Malmö where nobody should have to face hate or discrimination. Together we make a difference,” the party writes in its post.

To Be Used in Anti-Racism Education

The Municipality of Malmö has also developed educational material for preschools, primary schools, and high schools, where the monument is to be used as a starting point for discussions about, among other things, racism, democracy, and human rights.

Tarek Borg, departmental head at Malmö Art, emphasizes that the involvement of Malmö’s residents has been central to the project.

– The initiative for the monument came from a group of Malmö residents, so it has been important and natural for this to be reflected throughout the process up to the inauguration, he says, continuing:

– This work is based on Malmö’s history and present, and also carries a message to the future. We are very happy that Master Narratives is now becoming part of Malmö’s collection of public art.