ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Experience moving image, sound, and sculpture by internationally acclaimed Swedish artist Salad Hilowle as a poetic exploration of belonging, spectatorship, and the visibility of the African experience in Sweden over time.  

Through Inscriptions, Hilowle uncovers and illuminates the presence of African descendants in Swedish contexts, both historically and in contemporary society, offering deeper insight into the Afro-Swedish diaspora and the complexity of Afro-Swedish experiences. Born in Somalia, Hilowle moved from Mogadishu to Gävle, Sweden, at the age of seven. 

The exhibition features video, photography, sculpture, textiles, and performance. Hilowle’s cinematic approach to art-making allows him to seamlessly move between the micro perspective of a first-hand narrative and the broader view of the migrant experience. Through shifts in context, scale, color, and material, Hilowle invites the viewer to examine the familiar as if for the very first time. 

Inscriptions is Hilowle’s first major solo exhibition outside of Sweden and is a collaboration between the American Swedish Institute and The Somali Museum, curated by Berlin-based curator Sagal Farah. 

Full exhibition title: Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions 

Can be shortened to: Inscriptions 

Pronunciation/phonetic spelling: “Suh-lod” hill-owl–uh”

WHERE

American Swedish Institute 

2600 Park Ave 

Minneapolis, MN 55407 

WHEN

June 21-October 26, 2025 

URL

More information at: https://asimn.org/exhibition/salad-hilowle-inscriptions/ 

TICKETING INFORMATION

Exhibition tickets available in advance online at https://asimn.org/visit/admission/ or at the ASI front desk. 

RELATED PROGRAMS – Ticketed events

First Look | June 20 

Exclusive preview of the exhibition and seated dinner by FIKA Café  

Midsommar Celebration | June 21 

Celebrate the longest day of the year Swedish style with live music, dancing around the majstång (maypole), and many family-friendly activities. 

Inscriptions Exhibit Tours | June 22 & June 24

Tour the exhibition alongside the artist and curator. These tours will include a Somali language translator.

Somali Swedish Cultural Exchange | August 3 

Share in music, food, dance, craft, and community, and tour the Inscriptions exhibition.

Cocktails at the Castle | September 12 

A curated, immersive line-up of local music and more.

PRESS

Read the full press release: ASI Presents “Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions” – American Swedish Institute

SPONSOR INFORMATION

Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions is hosted by the American Swedish Institute with support from ASI’s members and donors. The exhibition’s media partner is the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR).  This Cultural District Fund program activity is funded, in part, by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis. Minnesota artist activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION

Help ASI create excitement and attract visitors for Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions by sharing exhibition details with your networks via email, social media, your website, newsletters, or by word of mouth. If you post on social media, please tag ASI: @amswedinstitute (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). 

SAMPLE COPY

Sample Social Media Post – 1 

Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions is opening soon at @amswedinstitute. Experience a multimedia exploration of the visibility of the African experience in Sweden by internationally acclaimed Swedish artist Salad Hilowle. Inscriptions is a collaboration between ASI and The Somali Museum of Minnesota, curated by Berlin-based curator Sagal Farah. Learn more at: https://asimn.org/exhibition/salad-hilowle-inscriptions/ 

Sample Social Media Post – 2 

“Art can’t save the world – but it can make us think in new ways.” -Salad Hilowle. In Hilowle’s first major solo exhibition outside of Sweden, he sends visitors on a poetic exploration of belonging, spectatorship, and the visibility of the African experience in Sweden over time. It’s a timely exhibition that is sure to inspire deep reflection on belonging, identity, migration, and (be)longing. On view at @amswedinstitute from June 21-October 26. Learn more at: https://asimn.org/exhibition/salad-hilowle-inscriptions/ 

Sample Email/eNewsletter Copy 

Explore Salad Hilowle’s Debut U.S. Exhibition at the American Swedish Insitute in Minneapolis 

Explore belonging, spectatorship, and the visibility of the African experience in Sweden through the works of Swedish artist Salad Hilowle. Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions will be on view June 21-October 26 at the American Swedish Insitute. 

Hilowle’s work sheds light on the presence of African descendants in Swedish contexts, both historically and in contemporary society, offering a deeper understanding of the Afro-Swedish diaspora. Inscriptions centers on themes of belonging, spectatorship, and the visibility of African experiences in Sweden over time.  

Presented in collaboration with The Somali Museum of Minnesota and Berlin-based curator Sagal Farah, Inscriptions is Hilowle’s first major solo exhibition outside of Sweden. 

Contact

Sally Carlson

Content and Marketing Manager

sallyc@asimn.org