Ystad skulpturpark

In the middle of Ystad Abbey’s courtyard is a sculpture in concrete as a reminder that there was often a centrally-located well in monastery courtyards. It also acts as a centrepiece for the rose garden, which was established in 2002. The design is a homage to the Greyfriars’ most revered saint, Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The form of the paths alludes to one of the instruments of her martyrdom, a spiked breaking wheel. The rose garden was designed by artist Maria Björklund.

Camilla Bergman is known for her work using rustic concrete as a favourite material. Among her early inspirations were Etruscan, Greek and Assyrian sculpture. Much of her art expresses meetings between the human and divine worlds. As Camilla Bergman lives on the island of Gotland, she is also deeply fascinated by the design language and patterns of medieval times. For Ystad Abbey, it therefore felt right to commission Camilla Bergman to design The Abbey Well. If you look at the sculpture and then raise your eyes towards the Abbey Church’s decorative elements, you will recognise the relief pattern. A small water fountain was installed in the sculpture to add a touch of atmosphere to the sacred surroundings. The Abbey Well is often used for christenings in the Parish of Ystad.

Camilla Bergman’s work can be seen in places such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, Umeå and Örnsköldsvik.