Evert Taube’s artistic legacy showcased in a unique exhibition at World of Volvo

This year marks 135 years since the birth of the beloved Swedish multi-talent Evert Taube. In conjunction with the inaugural Taube Week, taking place from 9–15 March, World of Volvo is honoured to present World of Taube, a unique art exhibition showcasing works from throughout Taube’s lifetime. This will be the first dedicated exhibition of his art in Gothenburg, featuring several personal pieces – including some unique works that have never been displayed publicly before.

Evert Taube was not only a cherished singer-songwriter, poet, and author – he was also a passionate visual artist. Taube Week, being held for the first time in Gothenburg from 9–15 March 2025, is a collaboration between the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, World of Volvo, the Maritime Museum, the Taube’s World Foundation and Martin Nyström, with the aim of celebrating Evert Taube and his artistic legacy. The week will be launched with a grand opening of the exclusive Taube exhibition at World of Volvo.

Never-before-seen works
Running from 10 March to 31 August, the exhibition will feature around forty artworks signed by Evert Taube, spanning a wide range of techniques and subjects, including paintings, drawings, and photographs. The exhibition is curated by Maria Taube, Evert Taube’s granddaughter, and will include works such as I Najadernas Gränd, Dans Dolores, and Pepita Dansar. Some of these pieces have been loaned from private collectors, while others come from the Gothenburg Maritime Museum and Evert Taube’s archives at the Gothenburg University Library. Some of these artworks will be making their public debut at World of Volvo.

“When I draw, I do it instead of feeling the object with my hand. I draw aimlessly and have no ambitions as an artist, only a great need for pleasure. But as I draw, I become aware of what I shall write,” wrote Evert Taube in I Najadernas Gränd, published in 1954.

A 119-year-old drawing
The exhibition spans Evert Taube’s entire life, from a drawing of Gothenburg Harbour that he sketched at the age of 16 to a series of colour prints recalling memories from the Pampas, which the Gothenburg icon produced at the age of 81.

“For my grandfather (Evert Taube), art was a natural part of life, as reflected in the selection for this exhibition. Even though music became his dominant form of expression, he continued to draw and paint throughout his life. This exhibition allows us to follow his journeys, artistic techniques, and passion for people in general – and for strong women in particular,” says Maria Taube, curator of the exhibition, art historian, board member of the Taube’s World Foundation, and Evert Taube’s granddaughter.

The premiere of Taube Week
For the first time, what was previously an annual Taube Day has now been extended into a full Taube Week. In addition to the unique exhibition, Evert Taube will be celebrated in various ways throughout World of Volvo. On Taube Day, 12 March – which also marks Evert Taube’s birthday – a special concert titled Sjögång will take place in World of Volvo’s grand event hall. This musical tribute to Taube and his life at sea will feature prominent artists such as Helen Sjöholm, Anders “Moneybrother” Wendin, Benny Andersson and Augustifamiljen, with Stefan Sporsén as musical director.

The top-floor restaurant at World of Volvo, Ceno on Top, will host two exclusive wine tastings in late March, inspired by Taube’s life and travels, under the concept “Wine Tasting in the Footsteps of Evert Taube”.

Music will also be a highlight at Gothenburg Concert Hall on 15 March, with Västlig Horisont, a dazzling evening performance celebrating Taube’s legacy.

Visitor information
The exhibition will be on display at World of Volvo from 10 March to 31 August 2024, with free admission for all visitors. More information can be found at https://www.worldofvolvo.com/en/exhibition/taube-exhibition/