Gloves of Stockholm
They are everywhere. The gloves. The unassuming brooches of the city. Could be seen in the most unexpected places, patiently waiting for their owners to come back for them. Little do they know that they have already crossed into another lane of existence and gained a grander purpose - they have become a part of the city’s identity.
Moving to another country in the midst of a pandemic certainly comes with its challenges. Lost and abandoned gloves of Stockholm marked my first winter in a new country and more broadly, they served as a metaphor for the global feeling of isolation and disorientation. They were the omnipresent counterparts to my endless roamings around the city and they perfectly illustrate the Scandinavian concept of ‘friluftsliv’ and their love for the outdoors. Swedes like to be outside all the time - walking, running, cycling, kayaking, ice-skating, cross-country skiing - regardless of weather conditions. And it’s so easy to get carried away by fresh air and beautiful surroundings; so much so that you do not notice when a glove slips away from your pocket. I totally get that!
Taking pictures of the gloves first started as a game and then slowly turned into a fun little competition between me and my boyfriend with its own set of rules: The goal is to collect as many pictures of various gloves as possible. Whoever sees the glove first, it belongs to them. One glove equals one point. Of course, you are not allowed to cheat by placing your own glove in a convenient spot for the sake of getting a point. Whoever has the most points at the end of the winter season is the winner, and should publish their gallery online.
