Nick Cave's 'The Devil. A Life' Ceramic Figurines Exhibition Opens at Kulturhuset in Stockholm

Nick Cave's exhibition "The Devil. A Life" opened at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm on February 17, 2026, and will run through the end of May. The display features 17 hand-painted ceramic figurines that narrate a poignant human story through the life of the devil, from birth to death and eventual forgiveness. Drawing inspiration from Victorian Staffordshire figurines, the colorful and intricately crafted pieces invite close engagement for a deeper appreciation.

Curators Anna Tullberg, Lisa Bergström, and Maria Patomella highlight the emotional narrative embedded in the figures, which explore themes of love, war, loss, regret, and mortality. The exhibition space is characterized by a stark, somber atmosphere that complements the profound storytelling, though at times it risks feeling overly theatrical—a noted critique of interdisciplinary art displays.

Cave, who began ceramics during the pandemic, acknowledges that this craft does not define him as an artist but demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in these pieces. The figurines resonate with Cave's personal grief following the death of his youngest son Arthur in 2015, reflecting deeply human emotions and experiences.

Additionally, the exhibition includes a small library of Cave's favorite books, including works by Swedish author August Strindberg, offering visitors another layer of insight into the artist's influences and interests, though this element serves as a supplementary feature.

Overall, "The Devil. A Life" offers a touching, multidimensional exploration of humanity and storytelling through Cave's ceramic figurines at Kulturhuset.