Garden of Loss – Eternal Flowers in the Landscape of Loss

In the exhibition, the artist presents his poetic installations of so-called pearl flowers—a type of everlasting flower made from glass beads strung on metal wire.

Georg Ragnar Levi has selected pieces from his unique collection of over a thousand such flowers, which he sometimes disassembles, repairs, and modifies before creating his distinctive compositions.

In his works, he lets antique and newly made flowers float and fall, be cut, hung, and pressed. Memorial flowers, together with preserved natural finds, tools, and barbed wire, become thought-provoking and beautiful works that revolve around the theme of loss.

The History of Beadwork

Historically, pearl flowers were used as memorial flowers for baptisms and funerals. The craft has its roots in medieval Venice and has been included on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2020.

Beads and Economy

For centuries, glass beads were an important trade commodity, and Venice’s world-famous glass industry formed the foundation of the republic’s economy. On the island of Murano, skilled glassblowers refined the craft, and the city became the world center for glass beads.

The sought-after beads were used not only in jewelry and luxury objects but also as currency and barter goods in global trade during the 16th century.

About the Artist

Georg Ragnar Levi (born 1961) creates installations and object collages. He collaborates with bead artisans, including in Ukraine, who reproduce flowers based on old patterns, some made with antique Murano beads. His installations have previously been exhibited in museums and galleries in Denmark, Germany, and Italy.