ETHER by SNIK: Hand: Cut Layers and Folklore at Varberg’s Wallstreet Festival, Sweden
Set between the histories of Engelska Parken and Socitetsparken, Varberg now hosts ETHER, a breathtaking mural by stencil duo SNIK.
The Figure and the Crown
At the mural’s centre, a crowned figure stands as if drawn from both myth and memory. Her eyes are closed, face softened in stillness, yet the golden crown above speaks of dignity and endurance. This is not a queen who commands armies but one who rules with rootedness. Her power is not loud; it grows, like vines, from the body outward.
ETHER by SNIK, as part of the Wallstreet Festival 2025.Image copyright SNIK
Folklore and the Ground Beneath
SNIK draws deeply from the local folklore and the Varberg soil itself. Consider the Skogsrå, a forest spirit of protection, often elusive, known to appear only to those who truly see. This spirit embodies the unique relationship the community has with nature, hinting that guardianship can exist in subtler forms.
Then there’s the Blodrot Tormentil, a stubborn, small-rooted plant, often unseen, but thriving against the odds. Both symbols thrive out of sight until attention is given, which is an echo of the mural itself, rewarding a slower gaze. They invite residents and visitors alike to look deeper into their surroundings, much like SNIK invites us to interact with his work.
ETHER by SNIK, as part of the Wallstreet Festival 2025.Image copyright SNIK
Technique and Process
As with much of SNIK’s work, ETHER was built through patience and precision. Each layer tells a story, methodically crafted. The process involves cutting by hand and assembling layer upon layer with purpose. Sprayed in place with care, the final piece becomes a tapestry of painting, printmaking, and performance. The result is something that speaks to impermanence and endurance simultaneously, capturing a moment of craftsmanship that feels both fleeting and eternal.
ETHER by SNIK, as part of the Wallstreet Festival 2025.Image copyright SNIK
A Festival of Walls
Commissioned as part of the Wallstreet Festival, ETHER is set upon the wall of everyday life, beside the whir of an ATM and bicycles passing, the work asserts its presence quietly but undeniably … strength without noise.
ETHER by SNIK, as part of the Wallstreet Festival 2025.Image copyright SNIK
Strength Without Noise
ETHER crowns silence, and insists on the dignity of being present, of seeing and being seen, in one’s own time. It challenges observers to pause, reflect, and embrace the quiet strength that exists in both the artwork and the everyday life around it.
ETHER by SNIK, as part of the Wallstreet Festival 2025.Image copyright SNIK
In doing so, ETHER fosters a connection that resonates well beyond its visual impact, inviting a shared experience rooted in the heart of Varberg.
Discover More from SNIK
For collectors and admirers wishing to experience more of SNIK’s work, a curated selection of their pieces is available through our online store and in person at the gallery. Each artwork continues their exploration of quiet strength, whether on canvas, paper, or in monumental public form.
Discover SNIK’s artwork and more at GraffitiStreet gallery, 25a West Street, Chichester, England, PO19 1QW.