This is one of the non-violence sculptures created by the Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, at Sergelgatan, Stockholm City. It also stands in several other places of Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö.
The sculpture was unveiled by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the 4th of December 1995.
There were also an event in the evening, when hundreds of persons were forming a human knotted gun – holding torches – and photo was taken from above by a helicopter.
I know that because Mr Lifecruiser was one of those persons forming the knotted gun. Unfortunately he couldn’t find the newspaper picture of it to show us.
At the same time the song Imagine by John Lennon were played – Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd started to work on the first non-violence sculpture because he was so furious over the murder of his friend John Lennon in 1980.
Much later he wrote that while making this peace symbol, he thought of adding a touch of humor to make his weapon symbolically ridiculous and totally out of order, since humor is the finest instrument to bring people together.
Reuterswärd initiated the start of The Non-Violence Project in 1995 and already in 1998 this project had engaged more than 3.000.000 young people in non-violence projects in schools at 3 continents!
The Non-Violence Project won acknowledge for the work by The Paul Harris Fellow Award of Rotary International in 1997; The Award of Honor by The Safety Council of the United States, 1999; The Daily Points of Light Award from The US presidency best citizens cooperation in the USA year 2000.
There are copies of it all over the world spreading it’s unambiguous peace message: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Lausanne, Zurich, Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, Caen, Curitba, Luxemburg, Berlin and more places.
These sculptures are mentioned by lots of travelers in travel sites forums, tourist books and even blogs, including my blog. Not to mention how many photos of them that has been taken!
I remember that lots of people (including myself) were wearing a miniature pin version of the knotted gun on our jackets back then. There even was a Swedish stamp with the knotted gun published the third of August 1995 to celebrate UN’s 50th anniversary.
The sculpture in New York, were put up there in September 1988 as a gift by the Government of Luxembourg and is said to be “a monument that no one ever forget about after visiting the FN-building”.
FN’s general secretary once personally wrote:
“With Non-Violence, Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd has not only endowed the Untited Nations with a cherished work of art; he has enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol. It is a symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man: that which asks not for victory, but for peace.”
In 1989 he had a severe stroke that made him unconscious for two and a half month. He woke up with no memories and his right side not functioning. Yet, he did not hesitate to take on the challenge to come back, he continued to develop his artwork with his left hand.
I’m a big admirer of Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, not only for creating the non-violence sculpture and starting the non-violence project, but also for his persistence.
We should all copy his persistence, especially when working for peace.
Dona Nobis Pacem in Technorati
Blogblast for Peace Official Blog
Mimi Lenox, the starter of Blogblast for Peace
Lifecruiser ♥ Peace
Great illustration and a wonderful dream – no more weapons.
Happy Peace day to you!
Michelles last blog post..Dona nobis pacem
Wonderful globe Captain!!!
Come on over, and read my impressions of peace if you can find time today.
I love that sculpture! it’s the only gun I could look at.
Our son never ever got a play gun from us as a child. He didn’t “suffered” because of that and he’s grown up to be a fine young man (you know this is a very objective opinion, lol)
Ban all guns!
Peace and love to you too, Cap’n
I love your globe.
Mars last blog post..wordless wednesday on thursday: dona nobis pacem
I love that – wish ALL guns were just like that one!
Peace to you.
citizen of the worlds last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem 2008
What a fabulous work of art and a very interesting post. I love you peace globe. Dona Nobis Pacem.
If all guns were like this, it would be really, really difficult to start a war. They’d probably be fighting with swords or sticks in Iraq now.
This gun and especially the idea is great artwork !! It’s just wonderful and should be known by the whole world !!
Gattinas last blog post..
Peace to you today and always. Your Peace Globe was excellent.
jennifers last blog post..PEACE Y’ALL…
Isn’t that a wonderful sculpture! It says it all. Great post!
You really have written a terrific well thought out post! What a great Peace Globe. Peace to you and those you love…
Peace on Earth…You have a nice entry…I join also
gengens last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Peace to you and yours. Hugs and much love.
I’ve been to Malmo about fifteen years ago. The gun was not there yet. It’s a beautiful city though
Peace & love to you from Ohio.
Ivanhoes last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Fantastic sculpture! Thank you for sharing the info about it, as I’d never heard of it before. Wonder if you can still get a pin with the knotted gun?
Here’s wishing you peace!
This Eclectic Lifes last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Okay! I love Malmö and I love that gun hehehe!! No it was not there when I was last there either since it was also a few years ago but it really is a charming city. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good vibrations for this international peacekeeping event in the blogsphere!
DianeCAs last blog post..The winds of Change are blowing in with Obama
peace y’all :
sarge charlies last blog post..Blog Blast for Peace
Excellent post! Really tremendous message.
Hello Captain !
Thank you for your visit to my blog.
Thank you for sharing about that non-violence sculpture. That is so special that you were a part of a human non violence twisted gun !
I’m right behind you with the gun being twisted in a knot like that ! Ha !!
Wishing you & your family Peace & love.
barbaras last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Wow~! Now that is cool! My daughter is not a blogger but I sent her your link. She will LOVE this sculpture. Because it’s for nonviolence/because she is an artist/and because she went to your country last year as part of her European adventure!
May the spirit of peace over take all!
julies last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
If it ever will become a reality:
I have that Dream: Peace
TorAas last blog post..TORsday 13 – November 6 – 2008
I think this demonstrates that our voices matter, and our actions matter. We speak about the changes we want to see, and then we act and become the changes we want to see.
Thank you for sharing this.
Peace.
Traviss last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
A wonderful post!
Peace and Blessings
Carlettas last blog post.."Dona Nobis Pacem" Latin for "Grant Us Peace"
Your site is beautiful and the post so very meaningful. I will be on the lookout for this sculpture and, especially, the little pin. I am glad I met you today. Peace out!
Border Explorers last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Incredible post! Now I feel badly that mine is so short!
Peace, my friend. Peace.
Kuanyins last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Peace be with you. Thank you for the perspective. Non violence and conflict resolution in our daily lives is indeed something we need to work toward and also teach (as well as model) to our youth.
Very inspiring blog blast for Peace!
Sending *Peace*Love*Light* to ALL!!!
thanks for stopping by, I love your peace globe,the knotted gun,your blog color,it all peace…
FickleMindeds last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem(Grant Us Peace)
I need a knotted gun. Your globe is magnificent!
Hahn at Homes last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Much obliged for visiting Sojourner’s Place on this BlogBlast for Peace Day! Let us all pray for peace because War is NOT a card game!
the sculpture is powerful
and your globe is lovely
Diannes last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. I love the sculpture and never knew of its existence. I will be sure to pass it on. Peace and love to you both.
Larrys last blog post..Comment on Dona Nobis Pacem by Jennifer
That’s a beautiful globe and a great message! Thanks for visiting mine. Peace to you!
Tinks last blog post..Chronic fatigue
wowee Lifecruiser your Peace Globe matches your blog brilliantly
and what a powerful image and message!!!
have a wonderful weekend
laketreess last blog post..I Want to Adopt a Teddy Bear
What a lovely post! Make Love, not War!!
I’m against violence!
eastcoastlifes last blog post..Korean Pop Night 2008 in Singapore – PhotoHunt
Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful human being.
I didn’t know the history of this sculpture. Amazing stuff. This just proves, once again, that we all stand united in our hearts for peace around the world. John Lennon’s message was the same.
Let it be.
I hope you eventually find that newspaper clipping! I can just imagine what an inspiring experience that must have been for your husband.
Peace to you and yours,
Mimi
Mimi Lenoxs last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Great post. That sculpture is impressive.
Debbies last blog post..Friday Fill-ins
Great peace post, and very nice site!
I loved the sculpture!
Peace!
Ferds last blog post..Dona Nobis Pacem
Peace to you and all the cruisers!
Angela at mommy bytess last blog post..Peace
nice post – too bad if we all made love not war, the world would overpopulate faster than fast
candles love soys last blog post..5 ways to “recycle” a carmen jar
Very good one! I love how the heart is over the world!
Let’s hope that the artist’s efforts continue to encourage people to make the world more peaceful.
Mark Hs last blog post..Photo of the Week – Hey, Good Looking!
Peace be with you. Thank you for the perspective. Non violence and conflict resolution in our daily lives is indeed something we need to work toward and also teach to our youth.