Ru Runeberg, a Silversmith in the Field of Modern Art.
Ru Runeberg, a Silversmith in the Field of Modern Art.
Ru Runeberg (b. 1970) grew up in an artistic family that includes, among others, the sculptor Walter Runeberg and the poet J. L. Runeberg. The roots of his art reach back to his childhood interest in insects and his studies at Konstfack University in Stockholm, where he focused on silversmithing and art subjects.
Sculptures with a functional purpose
Runeberg’s motto, “nothing is impossible,” is reflected in his work, where silver meets glass, humor, and cultural references. She never makes two identical pieces but instead lets his intuitive process guide form and meaning. He insect-themed works — symphony orchestras composed of insects and birds — have found their way into private collections and table settings.
Three artistic periods
Ru Runeberg’s artistic career is divided into four thematic periods, also presented in the exhibition:
1997–2002: Traditional silversmithing, using silver and glass as materials; the products were classic silversmith’s pieces.
2002–2006: The era of sound — humor enters the work and continues thereafter.
2006–2009: The work becomes more sculptural, incorporating lace, trocars, the first birds, and the “ant bowl.”
From 2009 onward: Large sculptural insects and birds.
Work catalogue
First silver jug, 1994.
Master’s thesis in metal design (MFA). Silver and glass, 1997.
Student work, hip flask, 1994. Silver and soldering plastic. Sveriges Vin och Sprithistoriska Museum.
Bonbonnière, 2005. Bowl with a music box.
Yellow series, 2007.
Elvis plates, 2007.
Bugs in a box, 2007. Jar.
The frog, 2007. Bowl.
Trokars blue, 2007. Liquor jug and schnapps glasses.
Trokars at war, 2009. Liquor jug and schnapps glasses.
Crawling, ant dish, 2007.
Mirror dish, 2010.
Brainstorming, 2010. Lamp.
Spiritus Mantis, 2012. Liquor jug.
Full/Drunk, 2012. Liquor jug.
Sweet green, 2012. Sugar shaker.
Beslutsfattarna/The Decision-Makers, 3 gilded ants, 2017. Jugs/pitchers.
Demonstranterna/The Protesters, 2017. Salt and pepper shakers.
Russian roulette, 2015. Honey/sugar bowl.
Bookworm, 2015. Jug.
International hand sign, 2025. Jug/pitcher.
