A Beautiful Social Dystopia – Simon Stålenhag returns with his long awaited new art book Swedish Machines.
Simon Stålenhag is known for his critically acclaimed narrative art books that have caught the eye of Hollywood. Tales from the Loop, published in 2015, became an internet phenomenon and spawned an Amazon Prime Show with original music by Philip Glass. This was followed up by Things from the Flood and The Electric State. The latter is soon to be a major motion picture directed by the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame) and starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.
Stålenhag's most personal work yet, Swedish Machines explores masculinity, friendship, and sexuality in a queer science fiction tale about two young men stuck in the past – and in each other’s orbit. Their story spans decades, as fleeting moments become defining memories, and they set out to explore a mysterious forbidden zone together.
Set in his native Sweden and based in an alternate version of Mälaröarna outside of Stockholm, the place where he grew up, and still lives to this day, Swedish Machines juxtaposes giant futuristic machines and vehicles against the inner turmoil of the characters facing a social dystopia.
