RUBY NILSSON
RECANTATION (2026)
RECANTATION is an installation centered around a video structured as a prologue, three consecutive chapters and an epilogue that follows the life and transmogrification of P-2026-007, a “passoid” resident/employee of New Endocrinological Order (NEO). Writing in blood on salvaged materials, P-2026-007 records a series of “confessions” that move between autobiography, political polemic, and mystical visions. As the narrative unfolds, an impossible scientific discovery transforms her into a foundational figure within The Recantationist’s belief system.
A recantation is a public disavowal of a previously stated belief. Its Latin root means to “sing again” indicating the performative power of public utterance. As the title of Nilsson’s solo exhibition, recantation refers to a renunciation of performative gender visibility politics. In times where systemic attacks against the material needs of trans women are being made, Nilsson uses the exhibition format to investigate possible consequences of disavowal of earlier belief and community, as well as the need for something else to believe in.
A recantation is a public disavowal of a previously stated belief. Its Latin root means to “sing again” indicating the performative power of public utterance. As the title of Nilsson’s solo exhibition, recantation refers to a renunciation of performative gender visibility politics. In times where systemic attacks against the material needs of trans women are being made, Nilsson uses the exhibition format to investigate possible consequences of disavowal of earlier belief and community, as well as the need for something else to believe in.
RECANTATION is on show at Index: The Swedish Foundation for Contemporary Art in Stockholm until November 1.
Duration: 30 min
Written and directed by Ruby Nilsson
Animation: Jacob Habinc
Sound design: Ruby Nilsson
Music and sound design: Hannes Ferm
Color grading: Daniel Pherson
Construction of prayer rail: Johannes Hägglund
Duration: 30 min
Written and directed by Ruby Nilsson
Animation: Jacob Habinc
Sound design: Ruby Nilsson
Music and sound design: Hannes Ferm
Color grading: Daniel Pherson
Construction of prayer rail: Johannes Hägglund