Ladonia: Non-Existent State Created by Late Artist Where People Tried to Immigrate
Ladonia: Non-Existent State Created by Late Artist Where People Tried to Immigrate
Sputnik International
A micro-nation known as Ladonia is hidden away in a nature reserve in southern Sweden. This peculiar entity emerged in 1996 amid a legal battle between Swedish... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International
Said works – "Nimis," a massive sculpture made of driftwood, and "Arx," a monumental stone sculpture – punctuate Ladonia's landscape.When the local council demanded that these sculptures to be taken down after deeming them illegal buildings (construction in the nature reserve is banned), Vilks declared the area a sovereign country, and Ladonia was born.In 2002, Vilks, the self-proclaimed state secretary of Ladonia, said that over 3,000 Pakistanis sought to become citizens of his “country” after they found the micro-nation’s website.However, as they started asking about Ladonia’s embassy and how to get there, it became clear that moving to the micro-nation wasn’t possible.Vilks passed away on 3 October, 2021.Check out Sputnik's photo gallery showing Ladonia in all its glory.
A micro-nation known as Ladonia is hidden away in a nature reserve in southern Sweden. This peculiar entity emerged in 1996 amid a legal battle between Swedish artist Lars Vilks and local authorities over two of his artworks.
Said works – "Nimis," a massive sculpture made of driftwood, and "Arx," a monumental stone sculpture – punctuate Ladonia's landscape.
When the local council demanded that these sculptures to be taken down after deeming them illegal buildings (construction in the nature reserve is banned), Vilks declared the area a sovereign country, and Ladonia was born.
In 2002, Vilks, the self-proclaimed state secretary of Ladonia, said that over 3,000 Pakistanis sought to become citizens of his “country” after they found the micro-nation’s website.
However, as they started asking about Ladonia’s embassy and how to get there, it became clear that moving to the micro-nation wasn’t possible.
Vilks passed away on 3 October, 2021.
Check out Sputnik's photo gallery showing Ladonia in all its glory.
People visit Lars Vilk's artworks in Kullaberg Nature Reserve, Sweden October 5, 2021.
Newsfeed
0
Access to the chat has been blocked for violating the rules .
You will be able to participate again through:∞.
If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the feedback form
The discussion is closed. You can participate in the discussion within 24 hours after the publication of the article.
![A flower on Vilk's wooden artwork "Nimis." - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/07/1089734729_0:0:3228:2048_600x0_80_0_1_c5272046c077af7a7329953ecb26662e.jpg "A flower on Vilk's wooden artwork "Nimis."")
!["Nimis" as seen from a boat. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/07/1089734736_0:0:4224:1543_600x0_80_0_1_0a3d8be20bfe47c1af18b8c615f3cfed.jpg ""Nimis" as seen from a boat.")
![Vilk's artwork "Arx." - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/07/1089734743_0:0:3165:2048_600x0_80_0_1_19083783de92f1bab9c88a2616ce30ba.jpg "Vilk's artwork "Arx."")
